UK minister urges for restraint

 

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, British senior foreign and commonwealth office minister, conveyed UK government’s concerns over the ongoing violence in Bangladesh and urged all sides to exercise restraint.
Speaking on Wednesday following continuing reports of violence, Baroness Warsi said, “The strength of democracy is the right it affords to all citizens to participate in the political process.”
“I am appalled by the recent violence, unnecessary deaths and vandalism that have blighted Bangladesh recently. It has no place in legitimate protest,” she said.

She added “I am clear in our condemnation of the violence and we have also called on the government to investigate reports of deaths and use of excessive force by the police.  We have also pressed all parties to exercise restraint and respect the rule of law. We will continue to monitor the situation.”
Referring to her recent visit to Bangladesh, Warsi said she discussed the volatile situation with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and opposition leader Khaleda Zia and highlighted the concerns of the international community including those of many of the British Bangladeshi community in the UK.
“It is important to understand how strikes and violence have a widespread impact on businesses, families and communities, including religious minorities,” she said.