UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for calm and urged all concerned in Bangladesh 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. The UN secretary-general condemned the killing of Sharif Osman Bin Hadi and extended his condolences to his family. The UN chief called on the authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial investigation, in line with international human rights standards. "I have been asked about the current situation in Bangladesh, and I can tell you that the secretary-general condemns the killing of a youth protest leader, Sharif Osman Bin Hadi, and extends his condolences to his family," said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the secretary-general, during a regular briefing at the UN Headquarters on December 19.

Source: Dhaka Tribune December 20, 2025 09:05 UTC