At least 32 children were killed in Bangladesh during unrest centring around student protests in July with many more injured and detained, said UNICEF regional director for South Asia Sanjay Wijesekera.
In a statement, he also urged the authorities to reopen all schools, restart learning and reunite children with their friends and teachers to help children recover from violence and to keep them safe.
He mentioned that 30 million students from pre-primary to secondary school have missed 10 days of school in the country.
UNICEF on Friday issued the statement after Sanjay Wijesekera returned from a week in Bangladesh.
Until August 1, at least 214 people were killed in student protests for quota reform in government jobs which had started on July 1.
‘UNICEF has now confirmed that at least 32 children were killed during July’s protests, with many more injured and detained. This is a terrible loss. UNICEF condemns all acts of violence. On behalf of UNICEF, I extend my heartfelt condolences to families mourning the loss of their sons and daughters,’ the statement read.
In the statement, Sanjay said that he was aware of reports that children are being detained, and reminded authorities that for a child, coming into contact or conflict with the law can be very frightening.
‘UNICEF urges an end to the detention of children in all its forms,’ it said, adding, ‘this means that children should not be arrested or detained based on their mere presence in any location or because of their background, religion, or acts or beliefs of their family members.’
New Age
