Dhaka, July 31 (UNB)- Secretary-General of the European External Action Service Stefano Sannino has assured Bangladesh of standing beside it in overcoming the current situation and called for accountability and dialogue with student protesters.
 
Sannino met with Foreign Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud in Brussels on Wednesday and reiterated deep concern at Bangladesh law enforcement authorities' "excessive use of force" in recent protests.
 
"I called for accountability and dialogue with student protesters. Human rights are a fundamental element of EU-Bangladesh ties," he said in a brief message through X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting.
 
The government said it remains committed to "hold accountable" through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage.
 
The government ensured that due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts.
 
The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians.
 
An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect.
 
In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence.
 
Secretary-General Sannino welcomed the establishment of a judicial inquiry committee into the incidents of casualties and attacks following directives from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
 
He hoped through a transparent investigation, the responsible persons will be brought to justice, and Bangladesh will soon return to normalcy.
 
The foreign minister told him the government is very sincere in this matter.
 
The Secretary-General said the EU is with Bangladesh, and the European Union will cooperate in overcoming the crisis.
 
In the meeting, the foreign minister detailed the flow of events including the government's decision to cancel the quota system in 2018, the recent writ and finally the Supreme Court verdict.
 
Hasan said miscreants have created anarchy in the country by using the students' movement for their purposes, conducting various unruly activities including vandalism and arson, which in many cases resemble medieval barbarism.
 
"Those involved in murder, vandalism and arson will be brought to justice," he said.
 
Hasan expressed hope of accelerating their efforts to work together, mentioning the contribution and friendship of the European Union in the development journey of Bangladesh.
 
Mahbub Hassan Saleh, Ambassador of Bangladesh in Brussels, was present at the meeting.
 
END/UNB/MK/KW