UN Human Rights Chief decries government crackdown against protesters

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday called on the Bangladesh government to urgently disclose full details about last week’s crackdown on protests amid growing accounts of horrific violence.

He also urged all law enforcement operations to abide by international human rights norms and standards.

Latest reports indicate that more than 170 people were killed and over a thousand injured - some of whom were denied medical care - and many are missing following protests by students and youth movements against government policies.

At least two journalists were reportedly killed and scores of others were injured. Hundreds of people were also reportedly arrested, including opposition figures, according to a UN statement.

“We understand that many people were subjected to violent attacks by groups reportedly affiliated with the Government, and no effort was made to protect them,” said the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Türk called on the government to restore full Internet access to allow all people, including journalists and media outlets, to communicate freely and in line with international law. He added that the government must provide the details of those killed, injured, or detained for the benefit of their families.

The High Commissioner called for an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation into all alleged human rights violations, offering his office’s support in this regard.

Türk said he hoped the Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday to substantially narrow the quota system for government jobs - a system that had set off last week’s protests - may open space for confidence-building, leading to meaningful and inclusive dialogue to address underlying issues and grievances.

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