UN chief calls for restraint ahead of February elections

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called for calm and urged all concerned to refrain from violence, reduce tensions, and exercise maximum restraint in order to preserve a peaceful electoral environment as the country heads to elections in February.
He made the comment at a briefing in New York yesterday as violence erupted in Bangladesh after the death of Inqilab Moncho spokesperson Sharif Osman Hadi.
Guterres condemns the killing of the youth leader and extends his condolences to his family.
He also called on the authorities concerned to conduct a prompt, impartial, thorough, and transparent investigation, in line with international human rights standards.
Following the death of Hadi, The Daily Star and Prothom Alo buildings were attacked, set on fire, looted, and vandalised on Thursday night, which continued until early Friday.
Prominent cultural organisations Chhayanat and Udichi also came under attack.