Volker Türk also stressed the need for accountability for rights violations and violence related to anti-government protests that have rocked the country in recent weeks, forcing Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India.
The interim government led by Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on August 8 in a ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital Dhaka.
Reform, recovery, reconstruction
“The coming transition offers a historic opportunity to reform and rebuild the country’s institutions.to restore basic freedoms and civic space, and give everyone in Bangladesh a share in building the future,” speak Mr. Türk, who has an office, OHCHRissued a preliminary report about unrest
“Accountability for violations and justice for victims are key for the road ahead and will need to be accompanied by a national healing process“A comprehensive, fair and transparent investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred would be an important first step,” he added.
The protests began in mid-June, sparked by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for state jobs.
The protests were met with violence.
University students initially took to the streets in peaceful protests, which were followed by violence and serious human rights violations by security forces. Hundreds of people are believed to have been killed, including at least 32 children, and thousands injured.
According to report“There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to this situation.”
The report goes on to say that additional alleged violations also warrant comprehensive, fair, and transparent investigations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, as well as severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
Restore law and order
Following the government’s resignation on 5 August, there were also reports of looting, arson and attacks on members of religious minorities in Bangladesh, as well as reprisals and killings targeting members of the former ruling party and police.
On August 15, mobs armed with bamboo sticks, iron bars and water pipes reportedly attacked supporters of the former Prime Minister. Journalists were also reportedly attacked and threatened, preventing them from filming at the scene.
The report stresses the importance of quickly restoring law and order, as well as the need for effective measures to prevent further casualties, violence and acts of retaliation.
Law enforcement training
Recommendations include ensuring that law enforcement agencies receive clear guidance and training on the use of force, consistent with international human rights standards.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh.
Officers must also protect at-risk populations, including minority communities, from any acts of retaliation or retaliatory violence.
The UN human rights chief welcomed the initiative of many student organizations, religious leaders and others who are forming groups to protect minorities and minority religious sites.
Hold criminals accountable
Mr. Türk called on all those responsible for human rights violations, including those who used or ordered the use of unnecessary and disproportionate force, to be held accountable. Victims must be provided with effective redress and compensation, he added.
He also welcomed the release of thousands of long-term political prisoners and detainees, including several victims of enforced disappearances, and called for the release of all those arbitrarily detained.
The human rights report also calls for a systematic approach to examining any appointments or dismissals in the judiciary, security and other institutions.
Mission to Dhaka
The High Commissioner also announced that a team from his Office will visit Dhaka next week to explore ways to support the transition process. Discussions will also focus on ways to investigate human rights violations related to the recent violence and unrest.
“As I assured the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus in a phone call this week, We stand in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh at this time and pledge to support the Interim Government for a successful transition. that includes and promotes the rights of all people in Bangladesh,” he said.
