EU urges unity against violent extremism

Describing the recent murder of blogger Oyasiqur Rahman as an attack on free speech and democracy, the European Union has called upon all concerned in Bangladesh to stand against violent extremism.

“Government authorities, political parties and civil society should stand together against the actions of violent extremists in Bangladesh,” said the EU spokesperson.

“The perpetrators of these murders must be swiftly brought to justice," the spokesperson said in a statement issued in Brussels on Wednesday. 

The murder of Oyasiqur in Dhaka on March 30 is the second attack in a month that has targeted bloggers in Bangladesh.

Earlier on February 26, writer-blogger Avijit Roy was hacked to death on the Dhaka University campus. Avijit's wife was also injured in the attack.  

“The killings of Oyasiqur Rahman and Avijit Roy are an attack on free speech and democracy,” the statement noted. 

Freedom of expression is recognised as a human right by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bangladesh is a party, it added.

The EU reiterated its deep commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief.

"Tolerance and dialogue are essential elements of a democratic society," said the statement.