In the wake of the significant student protests that unfolded in Bangladesh during July and August 2024, the United Nations issued a stern warning to the country’s army. UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk stated that involvement in violent actions could lead to exclusion from UN peacekeeping missions. This dramatic upheaval ultimately resulted in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5. Just days later, Muhammad Yunus took the reins as the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government.
Turk highlighted the UN’s proactive role in crisis situations, drawing from Bangladesh’s recent turmoil while speaking on BBC’s HARDtalk. During the protests, students expressed their discontent with Hasina’s administration, which catalysed widespread demonstrations. “There was massive repression happening,” Turk remarked, underscoring the UN’s commitment to spotlighting human rights issues. The warning to the military was a pivotal moment, promoting a shift in the political landscape.
Following his appointment, Yunus quickly reached out to Turk, requesting a fact-finding mission to investigate the events that transpired during the protests. This initiative proved productive, as Turk noted, “the students were so grateful for us taking a stand.” His team subsequently released a report in February detailing the violence and repression experienced by protesters and minorities, documenting nearly 1,400 fatalities amid the unrest. The findings painted a grim picture of the political crisis that gripped the nation.
The UN cautioned Bangladesh’s army against violence during the July-August 2024 student protests, warning potential loss of peacekeeping status should they intervene violently. The protests led to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation, with Muhammad Yunus subsequently appointed interim leader. Volker Turk highlighted the UN’s role in supporting protesters and reported significant casualties during the turmoil, with a fact-finding mission aiming to investigate the violent events.
In summary, the UN’s intervention during the 2024 student protests in Bangladesh played a crucial role in averting potential military violence. The warnings issued by Volker Turk to the army not only prevented further repression but also encouraged political change with Yunus’s leadership. The findings from the UN’s fact-finding mission shed light on the troubling consequences of the protests, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in governance.
Original Source: indianexpress.com
