Identified 1400 individuals who lost their lives because of the misdeeds of the Sheikh Hasina administration in 45 days.
The United Nations documented that security forces killed approximately 1,400 people during their three-week suppression of student demonstrations in Bangladesh last summer. Student protests about government job quotas spread into broader demonstrations against economic inequality before turning into widespread turmoil. United Nations investigations demonstrate that law enforcement actions by security forces and intelligence services possibly qualify as crimes against humanity.
The UN report highlights that most of the fatalities were caused by security forces, with children among the victims. Over 11,700 people were detained, and many protesters were shot or summarily executed. The interim leader, Muhammad Yunus, invited the UN to investigate, resulting in a report that suggests many officials from the previous regime continue to hold power, creating potential conflicts of interest. The report recommends justice system reform, establishing witness protection, and banning the use of lethal firearms against protesters. Yunus has committed to upholding the rule of law and called for accountability within institutions.
In response to the UN report, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called for the repatriation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who is currently in India. The BNP expects India to extradite Hasina following the UN’s accusations of human rights violations and mass killings during last year’s student protests. The interim government also supports Hasina’s extradition, and New Delhi has acknowledged the request.
The results of the UN investigation have caused international worry which leads to demands for responsible action. Research investigations and new safety policies should be implemented according to the UN report to safeguard against future human rights violations during last summer events. UN Report Highlights Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh Protests