The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, reported that Bangladesh’s former government systematically committed grave human rights violations in a bid to quash protests that resulted in the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Presenting findings from a thorough investigation, Turk suggested that acts potentially amounting to crimes against humanity were likely carried out during this violent suppression.
In addressing the horrific outcomes of the crackdown, Turk revealed that approximately 1,400 people might have lost their lives, with 78% of these deaths attributed to gunfire from military rifles and shotguns. In his haunting summary, he recounted how many protesters endured life-altering injuries and claimed that high-ranking officials were complicit in enforced disappearances and arbitrary detentions.
Sheikh Hasina’s government, which held power from 1996 to 2001 and then again from 2009 until August 2024, faced intense protests initially sparked by students opposing public sector job quotas. The unrest escalated dramatically, prompting Hasina to resign, seeking refuge in India amid accusations of serious crimes, including genocide and corruption.
As the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus began to take charge, it expressed profound sorrow over the UN’s findings. Yunus vowed to pursue justice and prosecute all individuals involved in the violent crackdowns, urging those within governmental institutions to uphold the law and accountability for human rights abuses.
A UN report details human rights violations in Bangladesh, estimating up to 1,400 deaths due to government crackdowns on protests that led to Sheikh Hasina’s resignation. High-ranking officials were implicated, and the interim government, now led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, vows to pursue justice for these violations. The findings reveal a dark chapter in Bangladesh’s governance and a struggle for accountability.
The UN report uncovered systematic human rights violations in Bangladesh that resulted in significant loss of life and numerous injuries during widespread protests against the former government. As the interim leadership seeks accountability and justice, the legacy of Hasina’s administration is marred by allegations of severe wrongdoing, marking a critical juncture in the nation’s turbulent political landscape.
Original Source: www.dw.com
