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A recent United Nations report has unveiled extensive human rights abuses during Bangladesh’s 2024 anti-discrimination protests, implicating former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government and security forces in actions that may amount to crimes against humanity.
The report estimates that up to 1,400 individuals were killed during a three-week crackdown on student-led demonstrations. Security forces are accused of employing live ammunition and excessive force, leading to numerous extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and instances of torture.
Particularly affected were members of the Hindu, Ahmadiyya Muslim, and indigenous communities. The report documents widespread attacks on homes, businesses, and places of worship belonging to these groups, especially in regions like Thakurgaon, Lalmonirhat, and Dinajpur.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the government’s response as a “calculated and well-coordinated strategy” to retain power amid mass opposition. The report also highlights that many officials from the previous regime continue to hold power, creating potential conflicts of interest.
In response, the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has committed to upholding the rule of law and called for accountability within institutions. Yunus has also flagged “glaring gaps” in reports of attacks on minorities, accusing some media outlets of false propaganda.
The UN report recommends comprehensive reforms in Bangladesh’s security and justice sectors, including establishing witness protection programs and banning the use of lethal firearms against protesters. It underscores the need for accountability to prevent future violations and to ensure justice for the victims.
As Bangladesh navigates this tumultuous period, the international community watches closely, urging the nation to address these grave concerns and uphold human rights for all its citizens.
