United News of Bangladesh

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has said the initiation of proceedings against those accused of carrying out enforced disappearances and torture under the previous government in Bangladesh was an important step towards accountability. “I urge full respect for the most scrupulous standards of due process and fair trial, as guaranteed in international law. The protection of victims and witnesses in these sensitive and significant cases must be ensured,” the High Commissioner said. Last week, the country’s International Crimes Tribunal submitted formal charges of crimes against humanity in two cases related to enforced disappearances and torture alleged to have occurred at the Task Force for Interrogation Cell and the Joint Interrogation Cell, respectively.  The Tribunal also issued arrest warrants for mostly former, but also some serving, military officers, including a number of former Directors-General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, as well as former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion. “This marks the first time that formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in the country. It is a significant moment for victims and their families,” High Commissioner Türk said. Bangladesh reaffirms its commitment to NAM principles On Saturday, Bangladesh’s army announced that it had detained over a dozen of its officers accused of serious crimes committed under the previous administration.  It is crucial that the army promptly produces these detained officers to a competent civilian court, for fair and transparent criminal proceedings, said the UN rights body chief in a statement issued from Geneva on October 15. One of the key recommendations of the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Report into last year’s deadly student-led protests was that those responsible for serious violations of human rights, some of which may also constitute international crimes, must be held to account in accordance with international standards. The crime of enforced disappearances is now formally recognised in Bangladesh for the first time following ratification in August 2024 of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act. SAARC can unlock immense potential for trade and investment: GED Member The High Commissioner also urged the authorities to prioritise the handling of the large number of other pending cases – with some dating back to the previous administration and others since then.  It is crucial to ensure due process and fair resolution in each case, and to release promptly anyone who has been arbitrarily detained, said the UN human rights body. This includes survivors of enforced disappearances and others facing unfounded charges, including journalists and those perceived to be supporters of the former regime.  Many of them continue to face criminal charges, including under the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act. The High Commissioner has also urged the authorities not to pursue the death penalty in any of the cases before its courts, irrespective of the seriousness of the charges. “Beyond ensuring individual accountability, the best way forward for Bangladesh is a comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparation, healing and justice," he said. "Such a process must address the legacy of serious human rights violations and ensure that these abuses can never happen again. I also call on the interim Government to deal with ongoing concerns promptly in line with international law,” Türk said.   

Marking the anniversary of the July 2024 protests in Bangladesh, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for accountability for the violations and crimes committed during the unrest. "That accountability needs to be in line with fair trial guarantees, rooted in international human rights law. It must not repeat past cycles of retributive justice, including the use of the death penalty," he said in a video message. The United Nations Human Rights Mission in Dhaka organised an event on Tuesday that brought together senior political leaders, civil society members, youth representatives and international partners. Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus spoke as the chief guest. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Jamaat Ameer Dr Shafiqur Rahman and Senior Human Rights Adviser Huma Khan, among others, also spoke at the event. Turk said a comprehensive approach to transitional justice is needed, including truth seeking and reparations for the abuses of the past. This begins with a national dialogue involving victims, families and ordinary citizens, he said. The UN human rights chief said Bangladesh needs legal and institutional reforms, including to the security sector, so that this can never happen again. Volker Türk to present UN fact-finding report on Bangladesh in Geneva on March 5 He said the repressive laws and institutions that enabled these violations must either be dismantled, or completely overhauled. "As we remember the protestors who paid the ultimate price for their dream of a different future for the country, it is a moment to recommit to fundamental change," Turk said, adding that his office is fully prepared and ready to support the government and people of Bangladesh to achieve that vision. He recalled the courage and resilience of the people of Bangladesh, who courageously took to the streets one year ago to protest against discrimination, injustice and repression, and to demand their fundamental human rights. Many of the protestors were students and young people, and Turk had a chance to meet them when he visited Bangladesh last year. "I honour the memory of those who were killed, and the thousands more who suffered life-changing injuries," Turk said. These protests were a powerful expression of determination to move away from the spiraling inequalities and human rights violations of the past, towards a more just and inclusive society, he mentioned in his video message. The request from the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government, Prof Muhammad Yunus, for the UN Human Rights Office to conduct an independent and impartial Fact-Finding Mission into these events, spoke to the same determination to build a better future. The fact-finding Mission reported on ‘systematic and serious’ human rights abuses. "It found that the former government and its security and intelligence services engaged in a coordinated strategy to hold on to power at all costs," Turk said. Volker Türk @DU: 'No repetition, no going back. You must draw a clear line in the sand' And it made a detailed series of recommendations to ensure accountability and justice, which are essential in themselves, and vital to national healing, he said. "I welcome efforts by the interim government to move those recommendations forward,' Turk said it is an important moment of reflection on how that can be achieved.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday voiced concerns about recent changes to legislation to allow the banning of political parties and organisations and all related activities. "I am concerned about recent changes to legislation to allow the banning of political parties and organisations and all related activities," he said, adding that this "unduly restricts" the freedoms of association, expression and assembly. The UN rights chief made the remarks while delivering global update at the opening of the 59th Human Rights Council. Yunus welcomes UN's expert support over probe into enforced disappearances Turk said his office hopes to reach an agreement on their expanded presence soon. The UN rights chief said he is "encouraged" that the interim government and political parties in Bangladesh are making progress through dialogue. "I urge meaningful advances on reforms, to create the environment for free and inclusive elections," Turk said. Earlier, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in its fact-finding report shared recommendations in some specific areas, including accountability and justice, police and security; civic space, political system and economic governance. The UN human rights office, recently, recommended Bangladesh to refrain from political party bans undermining democracy and disenfranchising part of the electorate. UN team praises interim govt for steps against enforced disappearances In the fact-finding report, the UN observed that political party bans would undermine a return to a ‘genuine multiparty democracy’ and effectively disenfranchise a large part of the Bangladeshi electorate. A journalist drew UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis' attention recently regarding the recommendations made by the UN fact-finding mission against banning any political party and the government’s decision to ban activities of Awami League and sought her comments on that. In reply, she said it is not a question for her, but for the government. “We made our recommendations because participation and inclusion of all political parties is something that prevents a very polarised position, potentially unrest.” Lewis, who brings more than 20 years of experience in international development, peace-building, and humanitarian affairs to the position also said, "I think the circumstances need to be looked at....the decision of the government needs to be looked at in the context of the country. I do not have anything more to say. It is very much a political decision and again a decision of the government."

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Tuesday urged the world to act to prevent the total collapse of critical life-saving support in Gaza, where Israeli strikes continue to kill civilians, including in shelters and health facilities. “As the complete blockade of assistance essential for survival enters its ninth week, there must be concerted international efforts to stop this humanitarian catastrophe from reaching a new unseen level,” Türk said. Since 2 March, Israel has prevented the entry of food, fuel and other life-saving assistance to Gaza. Bakeries have now stopped working as flour and fuel have run out, and the remaining stocks of food are being rapidly depleted. “Any use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime, and so do all forms of collective punishment,” the High Commissioner warned. A reported Israeli plan to declare Rafah governorate as a new “humanitarian zone” would require Palestinians to move there to receive food and humanitarian aid. “Such a plan will almost certainly mean large parts of Gaza and those who cannot easily move, including people with disabilities, those who are sick or injured, and women supporting entire families, will be forced to go without food,” Türk said. Israel continues to strike locations in Gaza where Palestinian civilians are sheltering.  Between 18 March and 27 April, the UN Human Rights Office recorded 259 attacks on residential buildings and 99 on tents of internally displaced people (IDP). Most of the attacks resulted in fatalities, including of women and children. Among the strikes on IDP tents, 40 reportedly took place in Al-Mawasi area, where the Israeli army repeatedly directed civilians to seek refuge. “These incidents reflect the pattern we have seen during this escalation, of attacks that raise grave concerns of violations of the principles of distinction, proportionality and precautions. Each of these incidents must be fully investigated. Intentionally directing attacks against civilians not taking a direct part in hostilities would constitute a war crime,” Türk stressed. There are also serious concerns of additional violations as the Israeli army continues to attack health facilities. On 22 and 24 April, the army reportedly struck the Martyr Mohammad Al Durrah Children’s Hospital, putting it completely out of service. Israel committing ‘Livestreamed Genocide’ in Gaza: Amnesty Meanwhile, Israeli forces have continued to target civilian objects indispensable to the survival of the population. On 21 and 22 April, they conducted apparently coordinated attacks in three governorates, destroying 36 heavy machines, including excavators, water trucks and sewer suction tanks. These were used for relief operations, such as removing debris, distributing water and repairing sanitation systems. “Such destruction significantly hinders access to water, degrades public health, and obstructs both the delivery of humanitarian aid and conduct of rescue operations, including retrieving the injured and the dead from under the rubble and clearing debris to allow the ambulances to get to the victims,” the High Commissioner said. Türk reiterated that the cumulative impact of Israeli forces’ conduct in Gaza raises serious concerns that Israel appears to be inflicting on Palestinians in Gaza conditions of life increasingly incompatible with their continued existence as a group in Gaza. “Third States have clear obligations under international law to ensure that such conduct stops immediately, and they must act accordingly,” Türk said. “They also must search for and bring to justice all perpetrators of crimes under international law, by whomever committed.”

Presenting the fact-finding report in Geneva on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday said accountability is absolutely the key. He laid emphasis on future stability and protection of human rights and said it is a huge chance for the country at this pivotal time to deal with its past and overcome its past to reach a moment of healing and truth telling and that includes each and everyone within the society of Bangladesh. Whatever differences are there, Turk stressed that it is “one country and one citizenship,” and it is a unique opportunity for each and every citizen of Bangladesh. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights engaged in dialogue with member states and civil society on the findings and recommendations, with a view to promoting accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. The interim government of Bangladesh and civil society representatives from Bangladesh also participated in the event. Referring to his first telephone conversation with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, Turk said Dr Yunus told him human rights is at the centre of the reforms and transition. “Of course this is hard work, no doubt about that. This is not easy.” Pakistan eager to hold foreign secretary level talks with Bangladesh to boost ties The UN human rights chief said that is the right spirit and they all need to grasp the opportunity and support the opportunity towards transition. Responding to a question, Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul who was present at the event, said there have been some incidents of political violence against the “torturers, hooligans of the Awami League regime” who oppressed and tortured people for many years. He said there were some incidents where people who were deeply involved with the AL regime were attacked. “We strongly condemned that.” The Law Adviser, however, said most of them belong to the Muslim community and very few people belong to the minority groups. In his concluding remarks, Turk said it is fact that the interim government fully cooperated with them when they deployed their team very quickly at the request of the government. “We will continue to find ways to keep the Human Rights Council informed,” he added.   CA Dr Yunus asks labour ministry to reform labour law maintaining global standard “It will be crucial to ensure due process in criminal cases and investigate revenge violence, including against minorities,” Turk said, while sharing a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva recently. Turk said Bangladesh last year experienced a paroxysm of violence as the government of the time “brutally suppressed” a student movement that carried human rights as its torch. “The country is now charting a new future,” he said, adding that their recent independent fact-finding report on the grave human rights violations that took place is an “important contribution” to this journey.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk will present the United Nations human rights fact-finding report on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh on March 5. The event will be broadcast live from Geneva on YouTube https://youtube.com/live/szaCueW3WLs at 6pm Dhaka time, said an official at the UN on Tuesday. The team will discuss with member states and civil society on the findings and recommendations to promote accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. Volker Turk expresses his gratitude to DU VC The interim government of Bangladesh and civil society representatives from Bangladesh will participate in the event. On Monday, Volker Türk hoped that their recent independent fact-finding report will support truth-telling, accountability, reparations, healing and reform in Bangladesh. “It will be crucial to ensure due process in criminal cases and investigate revenge violence, including against minorities,” he said, while sharing a global update at the 58th session of the Human Rights Council in Geneva. Volker Türk @DU: 'No repetition, no going back. You must draw a clear line in the sand' Turk said Bangladesh last year experienced a paroxysm of violence as the government of the time “brutally suppressed” a student movement that carried human rights as its torch. “The country is now charting a new future,” he said, adding that their recent independent fact-finding report on the grave human rights violations that took place is an “important contribution” to this journey. UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis on Sunday informed Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus that Türk will brief the member states about its findings on March 5 during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council. Dr Yunus stressed documenting all "atrocities" committed during the regime of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.  

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has said the UN fact-finding mission on the atrocities during the July-August uprising is in a final stage and will be released by mid-February. He made the comments during a meeting with Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum annual meeting in the Swiss mountain city on Wednesday, said Chief Adviser's Deputy Press Secretary Abul Kalam Azad Majumder. Türk said the report would also be shared with the Bangladesh side ahead of its publication from the UN rights office in Geneva. The fact-finding team is mandated to establish facts, identify responsibilities, analyze root causes, and make concrete recommendations for Bangladesh to address past human rights violations and prevent their recurrence. Dr Yunus thanked the UN rights office for investigating the crimes committed during the student-led uprising. He said reports of the six major independent commissions would also come out at around the same time. These reports might serve to complement each other, they observed. The chief adviser urged the UN human rights chief for his support in resolving the Rohingya crisis, which has worsened in recent months following the influx of tens of thousands of new refugees from Myanmar. Read: RAB fully cooperating with UN fact-finding team, says Director General While assuring of his full support, Türk said that he was in conversation with relevant stakeholders, including UN special envoy on Myanmar, Julie Bishop, in this regard. The deep human rights crisis in Myanmar needs the world’s attention, Turk said, after his meetings with key leaders including Special Envoy on Myanmar for talks on the urgent need for solutions and a coordinated response that prioritises peace and human rights. Yunus called for creating a UN-overseen safe zone inside Myanmar's Rakhine side in an effort to stop the fresh influx of Rohingyas. The chief adviser referred to the upcoming high-level conference on the Rohingya crisis, saying it will bring global focus to one of the worst humanitarian crises. Türk agreed that such a conference is very important to bring back the lost focus of the international community on the crisis. Read more: Govt to help UN fact-finding mission if they seek any help : Foreign Adviser Lamiya Morshed, SDGs Affairs Principal Coordinator (Senior Secretary), Ambassador Tareq Md Ariful Islam, Bangladesh's Permanent Representative in Geneva and M Riaz Hamidullah, Secretary (West) at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, among others, were present.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Wednesday said their fact-finding mission is investigating allegations of attacks against minorities between 5 and 15 August. “It is vital that the authorities respond quickly to any incidents reported, by conducting thorough investigations and holding perpetrators accountable,” he said at a press conference. Türk said this will help build trust with minority communities, especially in light of troubling campaigns of misinformation and disinformation as well as hate campaigns on social media. He said transitions are always fraught with risk – and this is all the more pronounced for vulnerable groups. “I commend the efforts made by students and others to protect minorities.” The UN human rights chief said an inclusive approach, where every voice is heard and valued irrespective of class, gender, race, political ideology, identity or religion, will be key – reflecting the aspirations and diversity of the movement that sparked this transition. “Women are at the heart of social justice movements, including the protests in July. And I pay tribute to them,” he said, adding that they must be at the forefront during the transition and beyond. “Any killing needs to be investigated”: UN Rights Chief “Women need to be visible, particularly in leadership and decision-making positions,” Türk said.  The participation of ethnic and religious minorities in the reform structures, as well as of “indigenous peoples”, is also crucial, he said. Türk said the interim government has inherited massive challenges on all fronts, including economic, development, social, political and the rule of law. “Transitions are always complex. And expectations are high. Time is of the essence, but longstanding issues take time to resolve,” he said.  In his discussions with the interim authorities, Türk also expressed support and solidarity for Bangladesh in hosting Rohingya refugees. “The situation in Rakhine State, which I’m sure all of you are following, is only growing worse, and I was told there are new arrivals to Bangladesh.” He said. It is important to take a flexible and humanitarian approach, and to ensure non-refoulement and the protection of new arrivals, the rights body chief said. He mentioned that it is critical to ensure security in the camps, as well as access to livelihoods and education. “I am doing everything I can to galvanise the international community to focus on this issue, to support Bangladesh, and to step up the search for solutions,” Turk said.  UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were also present.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has conveyed to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that the independent UN fact-finding mission, which is investigating atrocities committed during the July-August mass uprising, would hopefully finalise its report by the first week of December. He called on the Chief Adviser at his office at Tejgaon in Dhaka on Wednesday and briefed him (Chief Adviser) about the work of the UN fact-finding mission and his meetings in Dhaka with advisers, the Chief of Army Staff, heads of Reform Commissions, students, and officials. Briefing the reporters at the Foreign Service Academy, Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the UN team is doing their work independently and they have no influence over that. Alam also said that the fact-finding mission will hand over the report to the chief adviser, and later they will also hand the report over to the relevant ministries and advisers. Deputy Press Secretaries Apurba Jahangir and Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Majumder also spoke at the media briefing. The UN rights chief also discussed the work of the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh that is now investigating heinous crimes and crimes against humanity committed during the revolution and Reform Commissions set up by the Interim Government to conduct meaningful reforms of the country's institutions. Volker Türk @DU: 'No repetition, no going back. You must draw a clear line in the stand' "There are so many that need to be fixed," he said, adding that he has also spoken to the members of the Inquiry Commission investigating hundreds of cases of enforced disappearances that occurred during the dictatorship.

UN Human Rights High Commissioner Volker Türk on Wednesday laid emphasis on investigating all killings and highlighted the importance of freedom of assembly, expression and political participation. “When it comes to any killings – they need to be investigated irrespective of perpetrators. That’s very clear. All killings need to be investigated, that is what human rights demands. We cannot allow killings to happen with impunity," he said while responding to a question at a media briefing wrapping up his two-day visit. UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani and UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh Gwyn Lewis were also present. It is crucial that the strong winds of change are harnessed and directed with human rights as the compass, said the UN rights chief. He said criminal justice is key, but it is crucial to ensure that charges are not brought in haste, and that due process and fair trial standards are upheld throughout, including in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). “I found the interim government to be aware of the problems with the proceedings in the International Crimes Tribunal in the past. My Office has provided comments on amending the ICT law, to bring it into line with international standards and to ensure the right to fair trial, and that justice is served without compromising due process,” he said. Turk said they will be looking at other ways that they can accompany and support this process. “I hope there will also be a public discussion on the use of the death penalty in the future. My own view, informed by the law and by evidence, is clear: the death penalty should be relegated to the past,” he added. The UN rights chief said it is key that criminal cases are not filed against individuals solely on the basis of their previous political affiliation, including members or supporters of Awami League. There are concerns that some charges are not founded on proper investigation, including a large number of murder charges against journalists. It is important not to repeat the patterns of the past, he said. “I welcome the creation by the interim government of a committee to look into this matter as a tool to address the possible proliferation of false cases. It is essential to prioritize due process,” he mentioned. Türk said to restore social cohesion and trust in institutions of the state, it will be crucial to rebuild the civic space that was progressively strangled in recent years. “This will require reforming repressive laws, as well as state institutions that have been in the habit of stifling dissent,” he said, adding that old habits die hard – only systemic change will ensure that the freedoms of expression, of association and peaceful assembly, and the right to political participation are respected. Asked about the banning of Awami League's students wing - Chhatra League using the Anti-Terrorism Act, the UN rights chief said there have been a lot of discussions about terrorism laws and the so-called war on terror. "We have seen the consequences of it because, unfortunately, the labelling of terrorism has been done in a way that has often also included people who disagree, who are political dissidents," Turk said. “So, let's not forget that Nelson Mandela, our big hero who has been healing a whole country, was considered a terrorist by the South African apartheid regime,” he added. About the proposal of banning the Awami League for the July-August killings, Turk said they hope that human rights remain the compass of any process. “And human rights law is clear about it - it promotes the freedom of assembly, the freedom of association, the freedom of political participation. Non recurrence of the past means that you are when it comes to political participation, for example, that you are guided by the very clear provision of human rights law,” said the UN human rights chief said. “You need accountability. You need justice. As I mentioned, you need truth telling. You need memorial, and you need what I mentioned as well, the non-recurrence of the past.” On the healing process, he said there needs to be national ownership for national healing to happen. “The national healing process has always to be one that is homegrown.” “This unique, unprecedented moment in the history of Bangladesh is the result of young men and women having taken to the streets – at great personal risk – to express that they had had enough of being ignored and marginalized,” he added. The UN rights chief welcomed steps taken to repeal the Cyber Security Act, and to withdraw old cases of speech crimes under this law and the Digital Security Act. He also welcomed statements by Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus that reinforce Bangladesh’s commitment to human rights, to social justice, and accountability, that acknowledge the need for comprehensive reforms in various institutions, including law enforcement, as well as the need to address economic inequalities. The rapid establishment of commissions to recommend reforms in the judiciary, the election system, the administration, police, the constitution, and Anti-Corruption Commission is commendable, Türk said. “I understand further commissions are being formed on health, media, labour rights and women’s affairs. In my discussions today with several of the commissioners, we discussed the importance of trust-building, inclusivity and the lessons that Bangladesh can draw from experiences in other countries that have grappled with similar issues,” he added. Türk said all these reforms could be a powerful step towards easing decades of intense political division in the country and curbing the patronage politics that have weakened its democratic foundations. The pursuit of justice for the brutal violence against protestors and other people – including children – killed and seriously wounded in July and August is a priority, he said. He was encouraged that in many of the discussions, there was a call for enhanced support of his office, including through a strengthened presence. “We look forward to concluding the discussions on the modalities of our enhanced presence in Bangladesh with the interim government,” said the UN rights chief. The invitation for his office to deploy a fact-finding mission on human rights violations in the context of protests which took place in July and August this year was an important initiative by the interim authorities. “A stronger presence in Bangladesh will enable my office to accompany and support the transition process in this area and in other areas, including by offering advice on legal, institutional, economic and social reforms, transitional justice, reconciliation, and healing,” Türk said. It is a priority for his office to support this dynamic, diverse country and its people through this period of transition, and to do everything they can to help ensure the protection and promotion of human rights for all in Bangladesh, he said. The UN team might take a month to submit its report on human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. Earlier, the UN rights chief received an official invitation from the Chief Adviser to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. The office deployed a fact-finding team to Bangladesh, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms.