UN concerns of human rights violations in Bangladesh

The United Nations has voiced significant concern over reports of human rights violations in Bangladesh by security forces amidst ongoing student protests. Students began protesting in early July, to demand a change in the new reforms in government jobs and corruption. The government’s response has included mass arrests and a ‘shoot-on-sight’ curfew.

Human Rights Violations

While the Bangladeshi Home Ministry claims that the protests have taken at least 150 lives, independent sources and local media report at least 266 dead. The Daily Star, a local newspaper, claims that over 10,000 people have been arrested in the last 12 days. According to other reports, the protests have resulted in thousands of protestors being injured. Not only that, but journalists and bystanders were also assaulted and killed during the crackdown.

Furthermore, the authorities also imposed a total internet shutdown on the 18th of July, cutting the country off from the rest of the world. Five days later, the shutdown was partially lifted however, the reports clearly show that immense violence and unlawful use of force was employed by the authorities, against the protestors.

UN’s Call for Accountability

The UN expressed particular concern over reports of excessive use of force, arbitrary detentions, and mistreatment of detainees by Bangladeshi authorities. Guterres emphasized the need for thorough and impartial investigations into the allegations of human rights violations in Bangladesh. He urges the government to hold accountable those responsible for any human rights violations.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, expressed on Monday that Antonio Guterres is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing situation in Bangladesh.

“We continue to raise our concerns about the situation in the country with relevant authorities, both in the capital, Dhaka, and here in New York and we count on Bangladesh to respect and uphold human rights,” he added.

Ongoing Tensions

Despite the imposition of a strict curfew and a heavy security presence, protests continue in various parts of Dhaka and other cities. Demonstrators remain undeterred, demanding justice for those killed and injured, as well as new reforms to address their grievances against the unfairness in government recruitment. The government’s response to the situation in Bangladesh remains a key point of domestic and international scrutiny.

Click UN Human Rights Twitter for more updates.

Click Amnesty International Twitter for more updates.