The United Nations Human Rights Office has released a report on the recent violence in Bangladesh. It said that about 650 people were killed in violent incidents during the unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 and August 11. This report suggests a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and detention of people. This is a 10-page report titled ‘Initial Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh’. According to this, about 400 deaths occurred between July 16 and August 4. About 250 people died after the protests took a violent turn between August 5-6.
Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as prime minister after the protests spiraled into an anti-government movement. Public reports have been put forth by media and movement groups claiming that more than 600 people were killed in violence following anti-discrimination student demonstrations between 16 July and 11 August. The report, released in Geneva on Friday, said the number of reprisal killings since that time was yet to be determined. The UNHCR report said several deaths occurred between 7-11 August, including those who died while receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence.
Hospitals are overcrowded with patients
The report said that the dead included protesters, passersby, journalists and several security personnel. It said that thousands of protesters and passersby were injured and hospitals were overwhelmed with patients. According to the report, the number of deaths is probably underestimated because restrictions on movement due to curfew and internet shutdown are hampering information collection. Authorities have also prevented hospitals from giving details of those killed and injured. There are strong indications that security forces used unnecessary and excessive force to deal with the situation. Therefore, all this needs to be investigated independently.
The need for a transparent investigation
According to the report, a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation of the alleged violations is required. These include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detention, enforced disappearances, torture and abuse, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression. After Hasina’s resignation on August 5, there were incidents of looting, arson and attacks on members of religious minorities. There were also reports of retaliatory attacks and killings against members of the former ruling party and the police. The report emphasizes the importance of quickly restoring law and order. At the same time, the need to take effective measures to prevent loss of life and property, violence and incidents of retaliation has also been underlined.
Violence against minorities
The office of UN human rights chief Volker Turk released a preliminary report on Friday. During this, he stressed the need for accountability of all those responsible for human rights violations and violence, including violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh. A comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation of all human rights violations was called for. Turk also said that the changes in the South Asian country are a historic opportunity to ensure that governance is based on human rights, inclusiveness and the rule of law.
The ‘Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance’ has said that the minority community has faced attacks and threats at 278 places in 48 districts since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government. Several temples, houses and business establishments of the minority community were destroyed in Bangladesh amid unrest this month.