UN human rights chief urges Bangladesh to maintain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
High Commissioner Volker Türk called on the protests to highlight demands for human rights, accountability and social justice that must be met with meaningful reforms.
“This unique, unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s history is the result of young men and women taking to the streets – at great personal risk – to express that they have suffered enough,” he said. being ignored and marginalized”. speak.
He added that despite the loss of life and feelings of sadness, youth, civil society and government officials expressed hope that “this time, things will be different.”
“This time there must be justice. This time, reform must be sustainable and long-lasting so that the abuses of previous decades are not repeated.”
Brutal bloodshed
the Unrest began in July with students demanding an end to civil servant quotas, only to be met with violent repression by security forces and pro-government groups.
Although the plan was withdrawn, the protests escalated in late July, with the main demand being that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resign and those responsible for violently suppressing the protests be held accountable. responsibility.
Prime Minister Hasina flee the country on August 5 after being in power since January 2009. Before that, she led the country from 1996 to 2001.
According to reports, more than 300 people were killed, including childrenand more than 20,000 people were injured. The bloodshed was one of the worst ever witnessed in Bangladesh.
Necessary responsibility
Several injured students are still being treated, including for gunshot wounds.
Mr. Türk said: “I visited Nitol Hospital, where some students who were shot while participating in protests in July are still being treated and often require multiple surgeries.”
He emphasized that after any period of repression, upheaval and violence, there must be a process of truth-finding and national healing to move forward.
“With so many cases to resolve from just the recent past, Criminal justice can only provide part of the answer,” he added, also note the importance of the truth-finding process, reparations to victims, remembrance and historical preservation initiatives and ensuring non-recurrence.
“Graffiti art around protests and [Muhammad] Yunus’s visit to the site of the infamous secret detention facility, Aynaghor, which will now be turned into a museum, is a powerful contribution to remembrance.”
High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk visited Nitol Hospital, Bangladesh, where several students were shot while participating in protests in July.
Freedom of speech is important
The High Commissioner welcomed the recent repeal of the Cyber Security Act and the withdrawal of cases under the Digital Security Act, which has been criticized for stifling freedom of expression.
Bangladesh has also ratified the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and appointed a committee to investigate allegations of violations.
He called on the country to go further by reforming its laws and institutions to prevent a recurrence of repression.
“To restore social cohesion and trust in State institutions, it is important to rebuild the civic space that has become increasingly stifled in recent years.he said.
Address misinformation
Warning that “transition always involves many risks”, Mr. Türk called for ensuring that vulnerable groups, including minorities, are protected.
“I commend the efforts of students and others to protect minorities,” he said, adding that his Office’s fact-finding mission is to investigate allegations of attacks against minorities from August 5 to 15.
He emphasized the importance of authorities responding quickly to any reported incidents, by conducting thorough investigations and holding perpetrators accountable.
“This will help build trust with minority communities, especially in the face of troubling campaigns of misinformation and disinformation. as well as hate campaigns on social media,” he said.
High Commissioner Türk talks to students at Dhaka University.
Challenging road ahead
The High Commissioner also commended the interim government for its openness towards his Office, OHCHRtheir presence, including an invitation to launch a fact-finding mission on human rights violations during the protests.
“The coming months will not be easy, but the spirit of student protest and the momentum for lasting change must be sustainedhe said.
“Realizing the promise of human rights will require courage and strength, but it will build trust and help heal old divisions. It is important that the powerful winds of change are harnessed and channeled with human rights as their guide.”
