14 foreign missions in Dhaka write to FM seeking sustainable solution to current issue

Though a number of countries separately expressed their concern over the recent violence in Bangladesh, 14 foreign missions stationed in Dhaka have jointly written to Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud seeking a sustainable solution to the issue to ensure a lasting peace in the country.

A diplomat confirmed UNB about sending such a letter to the Foreign Minister as friends of Bangladesh.

He, however, did not share the contents of the letter.

The joint letter was sent to the foreign minister on Wednesday which was issued by the missions of the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Australia.

The issues like loss of life, destruction of properties, protection of human rights, and importance of following due legal process were highlighted in the letter, said a diplomatic source.

Earlier, the EU in a statement recently, expressed deep concern by the violence and tragic loss of life that has occurred in the context of the protests in Bangladesh.

It is vital that further violence is averted and that a peaceful resolution to the situation is found as swiftly as possible, underpinned by the rule of law and democratic freedoms, the EU said.

The UK also expressed deep concern, saying the loss of life is unacceptable.

Canada, in its recent statement, said they are shocked by the violence suffered by the people of Bangladesh during the students protests.

"Our thoughts are with the victims and their family and all those impacted as we advocate for a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights," it said.

The justice system must ensure due process for all those arrested and hold accountable those responsible for these tragic events, according to the statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has recently said he is shocked to see the damaged areas in Dhaka and described the damage in Dhaka metro rail station utterly heartbreaking.

"I am shocked to observe the damaged areas in Dhaka on July 24. As Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, I am especially saddened by the severe damage of Dhaka MRT. I find this utterly heartbreaking," he said, sharing his personal observation after visiting the MRT Dhaka.

The situation in the country is now peaceful with further relaxation of curfew and reopening of public and private offices.