The Bangladesh Army has firmly described its lack of direct contact with the UN concerning human rights, following statements made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, during a BBC HARDtalk interview. In a recent statement, the army clarified that any concerns were relayed through the prior government rather than being directed to them directly.
The army emphasised its unwavering commitment to national security, the rule of law, and human rights principles. They contend that Türk’s remarks may have been misconstrued, potentially jeopardising their reputation. Highlighting their history of neutrality, they referred to events like the peaceful democratic transition in 1991, and their role during the July-August 2024 protests, where they maintained public safety without bias.
As a key player in global peacekeeping, the Bangladesh Army is renowned for its professionalism, contributing significantly to international missions. Their statement mentioned that, despite peacekeepers receiving a fraction of foreign earnings, they have contributed around Tk 27,000 crore to the national economy over 23 years. The army called for constructive discussions to address concerns regarding its operations with the UN human rights body.
The Bangladesh Army denied having been contacted by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding human rights concerns. They clarified that any issues were raised with the previous government and emphasised their commitment to neutrality and professional contributions to peacekeeping missions.
In summary, the Bangladesh Army has categorically denied any direct communication from the UN regarding human rights issues raised by Volker Türk. They uphold a commitment to neutrality and adherence to the law, while asserting their significant contributions to peacekeeping and the national economy. Furthermore, they encourage open dialogue to resolve concerns about their role in human rights matters.
Original Source: www.thedailystar.net
