The UN Fact-Finding Mission has identified the former Awami League government of Bangladesh as responsible for human rights violations during the July 2024 protests. Evidence suggests that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered the killings of protesters, with security forces employing excessive lethal force. The report estimates 1,400 casualties and calls for further investigations into these alleged crimes against humanity.
A recent United Nations report has found the former Awami League government of Bangladesh, led by Sheikh Hasina, culpable for significant human rights violations during the protests in July 2024. The UN Fact-Finding Mission reports that Hasina directed security forces to kill protesters, as documented by high-ranking security officials during meetings convened to quell dissent. Evidence revealed that substantial orders were given directly by government leaders, including Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan, endorsing lethal force against demonstrators.
The UN report, encompassing 114 pages, indicates that as many as 1,400 individuals potentially lost their lives during the protests, highlighting a coordinated strategy among political and security leaders to suppress public dissent. Witnesses corroborated that extreme measures were carried out, including the deployment of lethal ammunition by security forces across major cities, exacerbating the violent crackdown against civilians who protested against government initiatives.
The report mentions systematic abuses such as arbitrary arrests, torture, and intimidation perpetuated by various state security agencies, including the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab). Additionally, it underscores instances where essential medical care for injured protesters was obstructed, reflecting a broader campaign aimed at instilling fear and silencing opposition.
The findings recount specific incidents where lethal force was used indiscriminately against demonstrators, including children, in both urban and rural settings. The UN’s high commissioner termed these actions as potential crimes against humanity, urging further investigations into the severe human rights violations observed in the months following the protests.
Moreover, the UN mission’s analysis revealed that military-grade weaponry was predominantly responsible for the reported fatalities among protesters, with eyewitness accounts documenting the excessive use of firepower against unarmed civilians. The implications of these actions prompt serious concerns regarding the militarization and politicization of policing in Bangladesh, seeking accountability for perpetrators of such grave human rights abuses.
The UN report presents alarming evidence of human rights violations perpetrated under the guidance of the former Bangladesh government, particularly highlighting the role of Sheikh Hasina and senior officials in issuing orders to employ lethal force against protesters. The systematic approach to suppress dissent through violence and intimidation reflects a troubling trend in governance that undermines democratic values and civilian safety. Comprehensive investigations into these violations are essential to restore accountability and uphold human rights standards in the region.
Original Source: asianews.network
