Condemnation pours in from across the world

Expressing concern over the rise in murders and violent attacks in Bangladesh, the US, the UN, the UK, Germany, Norway and Denmark have called for effective and speedy investigations into the incidents to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"We offer our full support to the government of Bangladesh as they investigate the murders and bring the perpetrators to justice," US Secretary of State John Kerry said in a statement yesterday.

“The men and women of the US state department join me today in condemning the barbaric murder of Xulhaz Mannan, a locally-hired employee of our embassy in Dhaka, Bangladesh, and another of his activist friends (Mahbub Tonoy).

“Xulhaz, who worked for the United States Agency for International Development, was a trusted colleague, a beloved friend, and an advocate for human rights and dignity in Bangladesh.

“In many ways, he embodied the spirit of the people of Bangladesh and the pride with which they guard their traditions of tolerance, peace, and diversity.”

Robert D Watkins, UN resident coordinator in Bangladesh, in a statement on the recent killings, said, “Impunity will only contribute to a climate of intolerance and lead to further incidents of this kind.”

He said intolerance-related violence was "increasing" in Bangladesh and was targeting a growing range of people whose views may not conform with those of the majority.

“This was also manifested just two days ago by the horrific killing of Prof Rezaul Karim Siddiquee from the University of Rajshahi.”

Watkins said the UN in Bangladesh was once again shocked by another series of brutal murders against people expressing alternative views.

In separate statements, UK Minister Hugo Swire of State at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, German Ambassador to Bangladesh Thomas Prinz and Chargé d'affaires of Danish Embassy Jakob Haugaard said the violent and brutal acts they witnessed over the last few days needed to be condemned by all.

“Deeply saddened by the senseless murders of Prof Karim, Tonoy and Xulhaz Mannan in Bangladesh. The killers must be brought to justice,” Hugo Swire tweeted yesterday.

German Ambassador to Bangladesh Thomas Prinz called upon the Bangladesh government to take all necessary steps to ensure a swift and thorough investigation into the murders of Xulhaz and Tonoy.

 Strongly condemning the assaults on the two, he said, “This is not only an attack on two brave individuals, but also an attack on the freedom of expression in this country.”

The ambassador said they had seen far too many incidents like this in the past months and “now is the time for the whole society to stand up and defend the fundamental right to freedom of expression.”

Chargé d'affaires of Danish Embassy Jakob Haugaard said they were deeply concerned about the recent murders and increase in violent attacks on individuals and minority groups in Bangladesh.

Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende said all the victims represented religious minorities or non-religious and secular trends in Bangladesh, and the killings were motivated by religious extremism.

In a Facebook post, he said, “Bangladesh has long and proud traditions as an open and versatile society but these killings threat the freedom of expression.”

“It is the responsibility of the Bangladeshi authorities to defend basic rights and to bring the killers to justice.”

During the last year, at least ten people in Bangladesh have been killed because of their opinions, sexual orientation or religion, he said.

On April 23, Prof in English of Rajshahi University Rezaul Karim Siddique, accused for being non-believer, was killed in the middle of the street, Brende added.

US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Nisha Biswal tweeted:”We are heart-broken and outraged by the brutal and barbaric murder of our colleague Xulhaz Mannan, a beloved member of the US Embassy family.”

The US National Security Council Spokesperson, Ned Price, in a separate statement also deplored the murder of Xulhaz.

USAID Administrator Gayle Smith in another statement said expressed deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Xulhaz.