Online Desk/

The United Nations has urged law enforcement agencies not to use excessive force amid political violence and mass arrests ahead of Bangladesh’s national elections.

Jeremy Lawrence, spokesperson of the United Nations High Commission on Human Rights, called for this on Friday (August 4) referring to the brutal behavior of law and order forces during the recent BNP sit-in program in Dhaka.

At a press briefing in Geneva, he said police were seen beating protesters with sticks, bats and iron rods. Many opposition supporters and some policemen were injured in the clash. Senior opposition leaders were beaten up in broad daylight. Members of the law enforcement agency claimed their homes were raided.

Earlier on Monday, the United Nations Human Rights Office expressed regret over the police’s use of rubber bullets, tear gas and water cannons at the opposition party’s rally in Bangladesh.

UN spokesman Jeremy Lawrence said hundreds of opposition leaders and supporters had been arrested ahead of the rally.

Spokesperson Lawrence emphasized that the government of Bangladesh must be committed to protecting human rights and allowing people to exercise their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and freedom of expression.

He also said that the United Nations Human Rights Office has urged the police to use force only when necessary. Incidents of excessive force must be investigated immediately and those responsible held accountable.

It should be noted that the next general election of Bangladesh is scheduled to be held in December or early January this year. The BNP and some like-minded parties are holding protests across the country demanding the resignation of the current Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and elections under a neutral caretaker government.