Staff Correspondent
GENEVA – UN Rights Chief Volker Türk Human in a statement said the transition in Bangladesh was an
historic opportunity to ensure governance is anchored in human rights, inclusivity and rule of law,
stressing the need for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and violence.
“The transition ahead presents an historic opportunity to reform and revitalize the country’s
institutions, to restore fundamental freedoms and civic space, and to give all in Bangladesh a part in
building the future,” the High Commissioner said, as the UN Human Rights Office issued a preliminary
report on the protests and unrest in the country in recent weeks.
“Accountability for violations and justice for the victims are key for the way forward, and will need to be
accompanied by a national healing process,” Türk said. “A comprehensive, impartial and transparent
investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred will be a critical first step.”
Triggered by the reinstatement of a quota system for allocation of civil service positions, initially
peaceful student protests in Bangladesh in mid-June were followed by violence and serious human
rights violations committed by security forces, with hundreds of people believed to have been killed –
including at least 32 children – and thousands injured.
“There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces
used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation. Additional, alleged
violations, that also warrant thorough, impartial and transparent investigations, included extrajudicial
killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe
restrictions on exercise of freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly,” the report states.
Following the resignation of the Government on 5 August 2024, there were also reports of looting, arson
and attacks on members of religious minorities, as well as reprisals against and revenge killings of
members of the former ruling party and police. On 15 August, mobs armed with bamboo sticks, iron
rods and pipes reportedly assaulted supporters of the former Prime Minister. Journalists were also
reportedly attacked and threatened preventing them from filming at the scenes.
The report emphasises the importance of rapidly restoring law and order, and the need for effective
measures to prevent further loss of life, violence and acts of reprisals.
“Law enforcement agencies need to receive clear instructions and training on the use of force, in line
with international human rights standards. They must protect populations at risk against any retaliatory
or revenge violence, including minority communities.”
The High Commissioner welcomed the initiative by various student organisations, faith leaders and
other people forming groups to protect minorities and religious sites belonging to minority
communities. The Interim Government has also strongly condemned these acts.
All those responsible for human rights violations, including those who used or ordered the unnecessary
and disproportionate use of force, must be held to account and victims provided reparations and
effective remedies, he added.
Türk welcomed the release of thousands of detainees and longer-term political prisoners – including
some victims of enforced disappearance – and urged the release of all those arbitrarily detained.
The report also called for a systematic approach to vetting for any appointments and dismissals to the
judiciary, security sector and other institutions.
The High Commissioner also announced that a team would visit Dhaka next week to explore areas in
which the UN Human Rights Office can support the transition. The team will also discuss the modalities
for an investigation into human rights violations in the context of the recent violence and unrest.
“As I assured the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus in our phone
call this week, we stand in solidary with the people of Bangladesh at this time and are committed to
supporting the Interim Government for a successful transition that is inclusive and advances the rights
of all the people in Bangladesh,” said Türk.
