Dhaka, Mar 07 (V7N) –The United Nations warned the Bangladesh Army that its involvement in suppressing student-led protests during the July uprising could lead to a possible removal from peacekeeping missions, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has revealed.

 

Türk made the statement on an episode of the BBC World Service’s HARDtalk program, hosted by Stephen Sackur and published on Wednesday.

The UN rights chief discussed various global issues, including Gaza, Sudan and Ukraine.

During the interview, Sackur pointed out that the UN often appeared powerless in resolving crises under international law. 

In response, Türk cited Bangladesh as an example where UN intervention had an impact.

“Well, I can give you examples where it is taken seriously. I'll give you the example of Bangladesh last year. During July, August, you know, there were massive demonstrations of students.

“They had enough of the previous government under Sheikh Hasina. There was massive repression happening. The big hope for them was actually our voice, was my voice, was also what we were able to do.

“And we put the spotlight on the situation. And we actually gave the warning to the army that if they get involved, it means that they may not be able to be a troop-contributing country anymore. As a result, we saw changes.”

Türk continued: “When Muhammad Yunus took over as the new chief adviser of the interim administration, he asked me immediately, can you send us a fact-finding mission to put the spotlight on the situation and to investigate what was happening, which is what we did. And it actually helped.” 

“I was in Bangladesh last year. The students were so grateful for us taking a stand and for us speaking out and for supporting them,” he added.

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