The United Nations has expressed serious concern over reports of attacks on journalists and incidents of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh ahead of the national elections. During a regular UN briefing, allegations surfaced that 21 journalists were taken away from the Bangladesh Times office.

Responding to a question, the UN spokesperson described the reported detention of Bangladesh Times journalists as “deeply concerning.”

The issue was raised on Tuesday (January 10) during the UN’s routine press briefing. The question was asked by Abdul Ahad, senior reporter of Ekattor Television and UN correspondent, who also works as a White House and U.S. State Department correspondent.

In his question, Ahad referred to reports that members of the Bangladesh Army entered the Bangladesh Times newsroom and forcibly took 21 journalists into custody.

In response, the UN spokesperson directly characterized the incidents as “extremely worrying,” emphasizing that silencing the media is unacceptable under any circumstances.

The United Nations has urged the Government of Bangladesh to uphold the constitution and honor its international obligations, while ensuring a peaceful environment, particularly in the pre-election period.