2024-08-19 01:01:29
Dhaka/Geneva: Nearly 650 people were killed in violent incidents during unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 and August 11, the United Nations Human Rights Office (UNHCR) said in a preliminary report. The report suggested a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions. According to the 10-page report titled “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh”, nearly 400 deaths occurred between July 16 and August 4, while about 250 people died between August 5 and 6 after protests turned violent.
More than 600 people killed in Bangladesh violence
Sheikh Hasina had to resign as prime minister after the protests took the form of an anti-government movement. Public reports available by media and movement groups claim that between July 16 and August 11, more than 600 people were killed in incidents of violence following anti-discrimination student protests. The report released in Geneva on Friday said the number of reprisal killings since that time is yet to be determined. The UNHCR report said several deaths occurred between August 7 and 11, including those who died while receiving medical treatment due to injuries sustained in the violence.
Who are included among those who died?
The report said the dead included protesters, passersby, journalists and several security personnel. It said thousands of protesters and passersby were injured and hospitals were overwhelmed with patients. The report said the death toll is likely an underestimate, as restrictions on movement due to curfews and internet shutdowns hindered information collection. The report also said authorities prevented hospitals from providing details of those killed and injured.
Serious allegations against security forces
The report said, “There are strong indications that the security forces used unnecessary and excessive force to deal with the situation. Therefore, an independent investigation of all these is required.” According to the report, “There is a need for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation of the alleged violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression.” The report said that after Hasina’s resignation on August 5, there were reports of looting, arson and attacks on members of religious minorities, as well as retaliatory attacks and killings against members of the former ruling party and the police.
What suggestions did the United Nations give
The UN report underlines the importance of swiftly restoring law and order, as well as the need to take effective measures to prevent loss of life and property, violence and reprisals. Releasing a preliminary report on Friday, the office of UN human rights chief Volker Turk stressed the need for accountability of all those responsible for human rights violations and violence, including violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Hindus become victims of violence in Bangladesh
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.