UN chief calls for calm in Bangladesh

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday called for calm and restraint in Bangladesh, following the resignation of the country's prime minister and the military's announcement of plans to form an interim government.

The secretary-general "urges calm and restraint by all sides and emphasizes the importance of a peaceful, orderly and democratic transition," said Farhan Haq, deputy spokesperson for the secretary-general, in a statement.

Guterres "deplores the further loss of life during protests in Bangladesh over the weekend," and continues to closely follow developments in the country, including the chief of army staff's announcement regarding the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and plans for the formation of an interim government, said Haq.

Haq said Guterres stands in full solidarity with the people of Bangladesh, calls for the full respect of their human rights, and continues to underscore the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.

According to Bangladeshi army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Hasina resigned on Monday amid protests in the South Asian country, and an interim government will be set up to run the country.