Over the past few weeks, Bangladeshi students have been protesting against the government to demand an end to government job quotas amid rising unemployment. As the protests have continued, there have been outbreaks of violence that have resulted in deaths and the closure of public and private universities.
Deaths, injuries and arrests
Latest reports say more than 170 people have died and more than a thousand have been injured. Two journalists are believed to have been killed and many others injured, while hundreds have been arrested during the protests.
High Commissioner, Volker Türk, speak Many people have been subjected to violence from groups believed to be linked to the government and no effort has been made to protect these people.
“To begin rebuilding severely damaged public trust and create an environment conducive to public dialogue on the underlying concerns that led to this wave of violence, I call on the Government to ensure that all actions by law enforcement agencies are conducted in strict accordance with international human rights norms and standards, in particular with regard to the control of protests, including the use of force,” he said.
Restore internet access
Mr. Türk also called on the Government to restore internet access to citizens after the internet was cut off last Thursday so that journalists and media outlets can communicate freely in accordance with international law.
“Repressive measures such as deliberately cutting off the Internet for long periods of time violate international law and undermine states’ obligations to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, as well as many other rights, including freedom of association and movement, the right to health and education, and a number of economic rights,” the High Commissioner said.
He further noted that shutting down the internet could reduce public scrutiny of law enforcement agencies, increasing the risk of “being punished for their actions.”
UN experts call for action
Four independent UN human rights experts also called on the Bangladesh government to end violent repression and restore internet access as student protests continue.
The Special Rapporteurs expressed their deep concern at the number of killings, arrests and intimidation.
“We call on the authorities to immediately release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process for those charged and prosecuted in connection with their role in the violence,” they said. speak.
“There is a need for prompt, comprehensive, independent and impartial investigations in accordance with internationally recognised standards into all alleged human rights violations,” they added.
Supreme Court Ruling
The UN High Commissioner for Refugees said Sunday’s Bangladesh Supreme Court ruling “reducing the government’s job quota system” that sparked the protests “could open up space for confidence building, leading to meaningful and inclusive dialogue to address underlying issues and grievances”.
Mr Türk encouraged politicians there to “avoid any statements or actions that could constitute incitement to violence or lead to further suppression of dissent”.
Experts say the recent court ruling is important but will not be enough to restore people’s trust in the government.
“To regain public trust, the Government needs to take responsibility and ensure a credible investigation and accountability process to hold perpetrators to account,” they said.
Experts are said to be in touch with the Bangladesh government on the issue.
Role of the reporter
Special Rapporteurs and other members of the United Nations Dong Nhan Quy Association– The appointed experts are independent of any government or organization.
They serve in their individual capacity and do not receive any compensation for their work.
