UN Rights Chief Urges Accountability for Bangladesh’s 2024 Protest Abuses

UN, Mar 05 (V7N) –UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has emphasized the need for accountability regarding human rights violations during the July-August 2024 protests in Bangladesh. Presenting a fact-finding report in Geneva, he stated that ensuring justice is crucial for the country’s stability and the protection of human rights.

Turk highlighted that this moment presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to address past injustices, promote truth-telling, and foster national unity. "Despite differences, it is one country with one citizenship, and this is a unique chance for every citizen to contribute to a just future," he said.

The UN human rights chief engaged with member states and civil society representatives, including Bangladesh’s interim government officials, to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations. The discussions focused on accountability, justice, and human rights reforms.

During the event, Turk referenced his first conversation with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, who assured him that human rights would be central to Bangladesh’s reform and transition. Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Turk stressed the importance of seizing this opportunity to drive meaningful change.

Law Adviser Asif Nazrul, who was present at the event, addressed concerns over recent incidents of political violence. He acknowledged that some individuals linked to the previous Awami League government had been targeted but strongly condemned any form of violence. He also clarified that while most of the victims belonged to the Muslim community, only a few were from minority groups.

Turk commended the interim government for its full cooperation with the UN’s fact-finding mission and reiterated the UN’s commitment to keeping the Human Rights Council informed. He also stressed the need for due process in criminal cases and called for investigations into acts of revenge violence, including those targeting minorities.

Reflecting on last year’s unrest, Turk described how the previous government “brutally suppressed” a student-led movement advocating for human rights. Now, with Bangladesh embarking on a new path, he noted that the UN’s independent report on past violations is a crucial step toward justice and national healing.