UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk called for accountability regarding human rights abuses during the 2024 Bangladesh protests, emphasizing the need for healing and truth-telling in a unified society. Turk’s engagement with government and civil society aims to promote reform and ensure justice, while stressing the importance of due process in ongoing investigations.
On Wednesday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk presented a fact-finding report on human rights abuses during the protests in Bangladesh that occurred in July and August 2024. He stressed the necessity for accountability, which he believes is vital for the future stability and protection of human rights in the country. Turk emphasized that this moment presents a significant opportunity for Bangladesh to confront its past and achieve healing through truth-telling.
He highlighted the importance of unity, reminding all citizens that Bangladesh is ‘one country and one citizenship.’ This accountability initiative, he stated, involves every member of society and represents a unique transformative opportunity for the nation. Turk engaged in discussions with both member states and civil society to promote justice and human rights reforms in Bangladesh, while representatives from the interim government also contributed to these dialogues.
In a conversation with chief adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, Turk learned that human rights would be central to the reforms in Bangladesh, acknowledging the challenges ahead. Law adviser Asif Nazrul noted instances of political violence linked to the previous regime and condemned attacks against individuals associated with the Awami League. He highlighted the need for a focus primarily on the Muslim community rather than minority groups in this context.
In concluding, Turk affirmed that the interim government had cooperated fully with their investigative efforts and vowed to keep the Human Rights Council updated. He stressed the need for due process in criminal cases and investigations into retaliatory violence, particularly against minorities. Additionally, he remarked on the prior violent suppression of a student-led movement and insisted that the fact-finding report would significantly aid Bangladesh’s path toward a more positive future.
UN High Commissioner Volker Turk’s report underscores the necessity of accountability for past human rights abuses in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the July and August 2024 protests. Highlighting the importance of national unity, Turk indicates that this moment can catalyze healing and reform. Continuous cooperation from the interim government shows promise for future human rights advancements, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations and due process.
Original Source: www.newagebd.net
