Trial must be ensured for human rights violators in Bangladesh: UN Commissioner

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, has urged Bangladesh to ensure accountability for serious human rights violations committed during the July 2023 uprising.

Former members of the Awami League government, law enforcement agencies, intelligence officials, and ruling party affiliates committed crimes against humanity during the July uprising, according to United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk. 

He emphasized that these violations were systematic and aimed at suppressing protests while keeping the Awami League in power. He called for justice to be ensured for those responsible.  

Turk made these remarks on Wednesday (March 5), during the 55th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. During the session, he presented the findings of the UN fact-finding mission on human rights violations in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 15, 2024.  

Citing the report, Turk stated that serious human rights violations were committed in Bangladesh, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and violence against women, children, and opposition activists. He noted that these violations were carried out under the direct orders of senior political leaders and security officials. The denial of medical treatment to injured protesters and acts of reprisal against the ousted government's opponents further underscored the scale of the abuses.  

He also addressed post-uprising retaliations, stating that after August 5, supporters of the previous regime, police officers, and minority communities faced violent reprisals. He emphasized the importance of accountability and ensuring fair trials for human rights violations.  

Turk highlighted that efforts towards accountability have begun, with multiple cases filed under Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). However, he stressed the need for fair trials and reiterated the UN's opposition to the death penalty, urging Bangladesh to abolish it. He assured that the UN Human Rights Commission is prepared to assist the government in this matter.  

The High Commissioner acknowledged the complexity of the ongoing reforms in Bangladesh, particularly in legal institutions and repressive laws. He welcomed the government's reform initiatives and called for cooperation from UN member states.  

Legal advisor Dr. Asif Nazrul welcomed the UN's fact-finding report, affirming that the interim government is committed to ensuring a neutral and acceptable investigation into the July-August atrocities. He also noted that the ICT Act has already been amended to ensure a transparent judicial process, allowing for the involvement of foreign lawyers and human rights organizations.  

Nazrul further stated that the government has established an independent commission to investigate enforced disappearances, which has already submitted a preliminary report and will soon present its final findings. He also announced that Bangladesh's legal framework will soon incorporate enforced disappearances as a criminal offense.  

In response to concerns about violence against minorities, Nazrul argued that most victims of political violence were long-time perpetrators under the previous government. While condemning all violence, he rejected claims that minority groups were disproportionately targeted. He asserted that verified statistics support this stance.  

On electoral reforms, he assured that the interim government is committed to ensuring voting rights for all Bangladeshis, including those in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. A commission has been formed to oversee local government elections and voter rights.  

Nazrul reaffirmed that the Bangladeshi government is working closely with the UN Human Rights Commission and that both sides have exchanged draft agreements to formalize their collaboration.  

Turk emphasized that the UN is working on implementing its recommendations and is in the final stages of establishing a UN Human Rights Office in Bangladesh. He expressed hope that this office will provide technical assistance and monitor issues like enforced disappearances.  

Turk concluded by saying that this is a crucial moment for Bangladesh to move forward, uncover the truth, and embrace reform. He urged all communities, regardless of political or religious affiliation, to unite in support of these reforms. Professor Yunus has also endorsed this transitional effort, emphasizing that human rights must be at the center of governance reforms.  

The session ended with the screening of a documentary featuring footage of police brutality in Jatrabari on August 5, 2024. Additionally, volunteer architect Farhana Sharmin Inu shared her first-hand experiences of assisting victims during the protests.  

Marine Engineer Mir Mahmudur Rahman Dipto, the elder brother of slain protester Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, also spoke, demanding justice for his brother's killing.