C’wealth SG mourns Hadi, deeply concerned over violence chain

Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey met Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus in London.

Dhaka, Dec 20 — Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey on Saturday expressed deep concern over the situation in Bangladesh following recent violence in Dhaka and other parts of the country.

In a statement, she said she joined the people of Bangladesh in mourning the loss of Sharif Osman Hadi and conveyed her sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Bangladesh following the recent violence in Dhaka and other areas of the country,” she said.

The Commonwealth Secretary-General urged respect for the rule of law and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of all, including members of the media.

She welcomed the interim government’s statement pledging to hold those responsible for the violence to account and calling for restraint, responsibility and a firm commitment to rejecting hatred.

She also appealed for calm and urged all concerned to exercise the highest degree of prudence and forbearance at this critical time. - UNB