At least 65 people across Myanmar were killed in demonstrations against the military on Saturday, which marks the country's Armed Forces Day, according to local media. 

The toll, which includes the death of a five-year-old child, was recorded as of Saturday, 2:00 p.m. local time. 

Among the victims, 11 were in the country's largest city Yangon, ten in Mandalay, four in the northern town of Lashio and one in southern city of Bago. 

Dozens of others across the country were also reportedly injured.

After presiding over a military parade in the capital Naypyitaw, Myanmar's military leader Min Aung Hlaing reiterated a promise to hold elections, without giving any time-frame. 

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on Saturday he is deeply shocked by the killing of dozens of civilians, including children and young people, by security forces in Myanmar.

Guterres added that the military's action is "unacceptable and demands a firm, unified and resolute international response."

"The army seeks to join hands with the entire nation to safeguard democracy," the general said in a live broadcast on state television, adding that authorities also sought to protect the people and restore peace across the country. 

"Violent acts that affect stability and security in order to make demands are inappropriate," he warned.

He said the army had to seize power on February 1 because of unlawful acts by the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) led by Aung San Suu Kyi, who has been detained since the takeover. 

Some of NLD leaders had been found guilty of corruption and legal action was being taken against them, he added. 

The country has been in turmoil since the military detained Suu Kyi and other officials, citing allegations of fraud in the November election won by the NLD. 

According to data released by the UN human rights office on March 17, at least 149 people in the country have been killed since the military takeover. 

More than 600 people detained during protests have been released this week, according to media reports. 

(With input from Reuters)