GENEVA (AP) — The U.N. human rights office has reported an alarming estimate of up to 1,400 deaths during a crackdown on protests in Bangladesh last summer. This wave of violence was directed particularly towards student-led uprisings against the ousted prime minister. The Geneva-based office asserted that security forces systematically perpetrated violations that may constitute crimes against humanity, demanding further investigation into these acts.
The report highlights that the unrest occurred from July 15 to August 5, coinciding with the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India amidst the unrest. It indicates that thousands sustained injuries, with most casualties resulting from gunfire by Bangladeshi security forces. More than 11,700 individuals were reported detained, with approximately 180 of the deceased being children.
In chilling detail, the report described instances where security forces executed unarmed protesters at point-blank range. U.N. human rights chief Volker Türk underscored glaring evidence of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture allegedly coordinated by political and security leaders to quash dissent. Amidst these harrowing revelations, a U.N. fact-finding team was invited to investigate by the country’s interim leader, Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus.
The interim government has made some arrests related to violence against religious and indigenous groups; however, many instigators reportedly remain unpunished. Rory Mungoven from the rights office voiced concern, indicating that although the government has changed, numerous officials from the previous regime still hold influential positions, potentially obstructing reform and accountability.
The investigation proposed numerous recommendations to the government, including enhancing the justice system and establishing a witness protection programme. Furthermore, it suggested restricting security forces from using lethal firearms during crowd control unless faced with imminent threats of serious harm. Following the release of the report, Yunus reaffirmed his administration’s pledge to uphold the rule of law and called for accountability among all who had breached civil and human rights in Bangladesh.
The upheaval initially arose from student protests over a government job quota system, escalating due to broader grievances on economic disparity and systemic rights violations. A High Court ruling reinstating this quota system in early June served as the immediate catalyst, leading to widespread demonstrations and a major uprising against the ruling Awami League party.
The U.N. human rights office estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed in a crackdown on protests in Bangladesh last year, with allegations of systematic rights violations by security forces. The report cites extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture reportedly sanctioned by political leaders and security officials. The interim government has made some arrests, but many offenders still face no repercussions. Calls for justice reform and accountability persist amid ongoing violence and unrest.
The reported human rights abuses during the protests in Bangladesh reflect a troubling narrative of violence, suppression, and governmental oversight. With significant casualties and many remaining unpunished, the situation necessitates urgent reforms and accountability. The U.N. report acts as a stark reminder of the pressing need for justice and protection of citizens’ rights in volatile political climates.
Original Source: kstp.com
