The UN has reported over 1,400 deaths during protests in Bangladesh, primarily due to military violence against civilians. Triggered by a civil service quota system reinstatement, protests turned violent, prompting the resignation of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The new administration pledges accountability for these human rights violations, with ongoing investigations and trials assessing the state’s actions during the unrest.
In a recent report, the UN’s human rights office revealed that at least 1,400 individuals died during student-led protests in Bangladesh last year, primarily at the hands of military forces. The protests, ignited by the reintroduction of a civil service quota system in July, initially began peacefully but escalated into violent confrontations due to a government crackdown and communications restriction.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and left Bangladesh in early August amid continuing protests and curfew violations. Governance subsequently transitioned to an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, which vowed to work with the UN to ensure accountability for violence during the protests.
The UN’s findings indicated severe casualties, with the majority of deaths occurring due to military-grade firearms, not accessible to civilians. It further reported over 11,700 arrests, with many fatalities occurring among students and civilians, including targeted actions against minors during the violence.
The investigation from July 15 to August 5, 2024, also noted systematic human rights abuses by Hasina’s government and affiliated security forces. The subsequent establishment of a special tribunal in Dhaka aims to adjudicate the alleged deaths, utilizing UN recommendations as a foundational element of its investigation.
The tribunal’s chief prosecutor stated that the UN report validates their findings and underscores the systematic nature of the abuses directed primarily at civilians and students. The probe designated the Hasina administration as responsible for orchestrating violence against protestors, reinforcing the need for judicial accountability in such human rights violations.
The UN’s report on the violent protests in Bangladesh highlights the critical issues of human rights abuses under the former Hasina administration, implicating the government in extensive violence against civilians. The findings will influence ongoing judicial processes and emphasize the importance of accountability for state-enforced violence. Both the UN and domestic investigative efforts aim to ensure justice for the victims, signaling a significant step towards addressing human rights infringements in the country.
Original Source: www.arabnews.pk
