UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNHC) Volker Turk on Wednesday emphasized the need for accountability in addressing human rights violations linked to the July-August 2024 protests in Bangladesh.
Presenting the fact-finding report in Geneva on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh, Turk described this moment as a pivotal opportunity for the country to confront its past and move forward toward healing and truth-telling, ensuring inclusivity for all members of society.
Despite existing differences, Turk emphasized that Bangladesh is “one country and one citizenship,” calling this a unique opportunity for every citizen.
The high commissioner engaged in discussions with UN member states and civil society representatives, focusing on accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh.
The event was attended by members of the interim government and representatives from civil society in Bangladesh.
Turk also referred to his initial conversation with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who assured him that human rights would be central to the government’s reforms and transitional process.
“Of course, this is hard work—no doubt about that. This is not easy,” he said.
Turk noted that the interim government had fully cooperated with them when they deployed their team swiftly at the government’s request.
“We will continue to find ways to keep the Human Rights Council informed,” he added.
Law Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul, who also attended the session in Geneva, expressed gratitude to the UN high commissioner for conducting what he described as the most thorough and credible investigation into the July-August atrocities in Bangladesh.
He reiterated the interim government’s commitment to an impartial and credible investigation into the July-August massacre and ensuring due judicial process.
“We want to reaffirm that we intend to utilize the findings of the report, as applicable, in our ongoing national accountability process to ensure justice,” he said.
Dr. Asif Nazrul also assured that Bangladesh’s constructive engagement with the UN high commissioner’s office would not end with this report. Instead, the interim government is working on ways to better utilize the high commissioner’s mandate in promoting human rights for all citizens.
“We also appreciate the high commissioner’s office for its readiness to provide technical support and assistance for our ongoing reform initiatives and national accountability process,” he added.
Responding to a question, he acknowledged incidents of political violence against individuals associated with the fascist Awami League regime, whom he described as “torturers and hooligans” responsible for years of oppression.
He noted that some individuals deeply involved with the previous regime had been attacked but strongly condemned such actions.
While delivering a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva, Turk remarked that Bangladesh experienced a surge of violence last year as the then-government “brutally suppressed” a student movement that championed human rights.
Source: BSS
Bd-pratidin English/FNC
