Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey. File photo

Dhaka, Dec 21, 2025  (BSS) - Commonwealth Secretary-General Shirley Botchwey has  expressed deep concern over recent violence in Bangladesh, mourning Sharif Osman Hadi’s death and urging restraint, rule of law and protection of all, including media.

In a statement, she said she joined the people of Bangladesh in mourning the loss of Sharif Osman Hadi and conveyed her sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.

“I am deeply concerned about the situation in Bangladesh following the recent violence in Dhaka and other areas of the country,” she said on Saturday in a statement. 

The Commonwealth Secretary-General urged respect for the rule of law and called on the authorities to ensure the safety of all, including members of the media.

She welcomed the interim government’s statement pledging to hold those responsible for the violence to account and calling for restraint, responsibility and a firm commitment to rejecting hatred.

She also appealed for calm and urged all concerned to exercise the highest degree of prudence and forbearance at this critical time.