Last updated on August 29th, 2024 at 08:04 pm
For the first fact-finding mission since Bangladesh’s 1971 independence, the United Nations is sending a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh as the country grapples with widespread human rights abuses, some of which have been linked to the killing of protesters in the aftermath of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s recent resignation. The head of UN human rights, Volker Turk, made the announcement following a call with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus of Bangladesh.
Background on Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation
- Sheikh Hasina resigned as Premier on August 5, in the face of violent demonstrations against quota reforms for government jobs. Her administration collapsed and she ran away to India. Muhammad Yunus came to the fore, taking oath as the Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, at a time when the country was passing through a turbulent period.
- UN’s Response and Mission Details
- The team, which is expected to arrive in Bangladesh next week, will, among others, investigate the atrocities committed during the Student Revolution in July and early August. The protests had spiraled into mass-level violence that killed over 500 people. The UN’s engagement suggests that the international community is worried over the happenings in Bangladesh.
- International and Domestic Reactions
- The UN move comes as increasing scrutiny from the international community is scrutinizing Bangladesh. Volker Turk further noted that a human rights-centered approach was paramount in this period of transition. Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed with Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal against Sheikh Hasina and eight others, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity during the student protests.
- Yunus’s Commitment to Human Rights
- Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has proclaimed to make human rights the cornerstone of his regime, where security of the citizens would be the most immediate concern of the government. He has sought UN cooperation in upholding the latter as Bangladesh is struggling to get through this critical time.