A recent report from the UN Human Rights Office sharply criticises the former Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, detailing severe human rights violations amid last year’s student-led protests that ultimately led to her ousting. The investigation found that government and security forces collaborated with violent factions linked to the Awami League in perpetrating these abuses.
The report particularly highlights the plight of Bangladesh’s Hindu, Ahmadiyya Muslim, and indigenous communities, who faced significant violence, including vandalism, arson, and even a documented killing during the protests in July and August 2024. The OHCHR estimates that as many as 1,400 deaths, including 13 women, occurred due to protest-related violence during this period.
Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus has expressed profound regret over these findings and reaffirmed the interim government’s dedication to protecting the rights of all citizens while ensuring accountability for violators. The report detailed extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and excessive force deployed by the previous regime’s supporters.
Yunus pledged to reform the justice system and law enforcement to combat the identified structural deficiencies. He emphasised the need for rigorous accountability within the judiciary and police to promote security and ensure dignity across Bangladesh.
Following Hasina’s government’s fall, widespread attacks targeted Hindu homes and temples, particularly in regions like Thakurgaon and Lalmonirhat, often associated with Awami League sympathies. The violence was characterised by systematic destruction, spotlighting police inaction that contributed to a culture of impunity and potential political motivations.
In an alarming analysis from Dhaka Medical College, it was found that over 78% of deaths among protestors resulted from police-issued firearms, indicating a significant level of governmental complicity. Various motivations spurred human rights abuses against minorities, including political retribution and communal conflicts, as many perpetrators remain unpunished despite minor arrests.
While some factions, such as the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Jamaat-e-Islami, were implicated in the violence, their leadership condemned the acts, asserting they were not orchestrated by national leaders. The UN report calls for critical reforms in Bangladesh’s security and justice systems, urging the abolition of oppressive laws and fostering an environment of truth and healing to address the serious legacy of human rights abuses.
A UN report criticises Bangladesh’s former Awami League government for human rights violations during last year’s protests, focusing on abuses against minorities. An estimated 1,400 protest-related deaths were noted, with many communities facing violence and destruction of property. Interim government chief Muhammad Yunus has expressed regret and promised reforms to ensure accountability and justice.
The UN Human Rights Office’s report paints a grim picture of the human rights situation in Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina’s government, pointing to extensive violations during and after last year’s protests. The continued persecution of minority communities, particularly Hindus, Muslims, and indigenous peoples, underlines the urgent need for judicial and governmental reforms. The interim government’s commitment to addressing these issues suggests a potential shift towards accountability and security for all citizens in Bangladesh.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
