Dhaka: The European Union (EU) has said the government authorities, political parties and civil society should stand together against the activities of violent extremists in Bangladesh.

‘The perpetrators of these murders must be swiftly brought to justice,’ said the EU spokesperson in a statement from Brussels.

It said the killings of Washiqur Rahman and Avijit Roy are an attack on free speech and democracy.

Freedom of expression is recognised as a human right by the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which Bangladesh is a party, said the statement.

The EU reiterated its deep commitment to freedom of expression and freedom of thought, conscience, religion and belief.

‘Tolerance and dialogue are essential elements of a democratic society,’ said the statement.

The murder of Washiqur Rahman in Dhaka on 30 March is the second attack in a month that has targeted bloggers in Bangladesh.