The United Nations has accused the former government of Bangladesh of systematic human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture, during its efforts to suppress protests. The report highlights the potential for these acts to be classified as crimes against humanity and emphasizes the necessity for accountability and justice in the nation.
The United Nations has accused Bangladesh’s former government of orchestrating systematic attacks and killings against protesters in its attempt to maintain power last year, which may amount to crimes against humanity. The UN report details a crackdown led by Sheikh Hasina’s administration prior to her ousting in a student-led revolution last August, where hundreds of extrajudicial killings allegedly occurred. The findings from an inquiry covering events between July 1 and August 15 suggest that murder, torture, and imprisonment were part of this systematic repression.
The UN’s investigation, commissioned by interim leader Mohammed Yunus, collected over 230 interviews and other evidence to substantiate claims of violence against civilians, especially during protests against job quotas that escalated into broader calls for Hasina’s resignation. The report indicates that as many as 1,400 individuals could have been killed during this turbulent period, primarily by security forces, with a significant number of casualties involving children.
Volker Turk, UN rights chief, emphasized the brutality of the response, describing it as a coordinated strategy by Hasina’s government to suppress dissent. Turk stated, “There are reasonable grounds to believe hundreds of extrajudicial killings, extensive arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture occurred with the knowledge, coordination and direction of the political leadership and senior security officials.”
The UN report also sheds light on instances of gender-based violence and the targeting of children by law enforcement. While some protesters resorted to retaliatory violence, focusing on police and officials from the Awami League party, the report underscores the urgent need for accountability and justice in Bangladesh to address the severe human rights violations of the recent past.
Turk called for a process of truth-telling and accountability to promote national healing and prevent future abuses. He remarked that a thorough examination of the events would be crucial to acknowledge the wrongdoings and ensure that similar atrocities do not recur in Bangladesh.
The UN’s report indicates a grave pattern of human rights violations by the former government of Bangladesh under Sheikh Hasina. With substantial evidence of extrajudicial killings, torture, and systematic repression of protests, the call for accountability and justice is paramount. Addressing these issues is essential for national reconciliation and to safeguard the future rights of Bangladeshi citizens.
Original Source: www.arabnews.com
