The United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi in Bangladesh and extended his condolences to the victim’s family.

Responding to questions about the current situation in Bangladesh, the secretary-general called on the authorities to carry out a prompt, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation into the incident, in line with international human rights standards.

He also urged all concerned parties to remain calm and to refrain from violence, calling for efforts to reduce tensions and exercise maximum restraint to help preserve a peaceful electoral environment as Bangladesh moves toward national elections scheduled for February.