Turk urged the government to take measures to ensure the safety of students in peaceful protests, and to guarantee the right to freedom of assembly without fear of attacks against their lives.
“Bangladesh’s political leaders must work with the country’s young population to find solutions to the ongoing challenges and focus on the country’s growth and development. Dialogue is the best and only way forward,” he said.
“The shutting down of the internet is also of concern as it disproportionately restricts the enjoyment of the right to freedom of expression, including freedom to seek, receive and impart information — particularly in the midst of a crisis,” Turk added.
“We urge the authorities to restore internet access without further delay.”
Near-daily marches this month have called for an end to a quota system that reserves more than half of civil service posts for specific groups.
Critics say the scheme benefits children of pro-government groups that back Hasina, 76, who has ruled the country since 2009.
Hasina’s government is accused by rights groups of misusing state institutions to entrench its hold on power and stamp out dissent, including by the extrajudicial killing of opposition activists.