The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has released a report detailing widespread human rights violations during the crackdown on protests that toppled Sheikh Hasina’s government in Bangladesh last year. The report, which was commissioned by the country’s new interim government, found evidence of crimes against humanity, enforced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions.
According to the report, officials from Bangladesh’s former government systematically committed serious human rights violations, including attacking and violently repressing anti-government protesters and sympathizers. The investigation found that 78% of those killed in the crackdown were shot by military rifles or shotguns, with many others suffering horrific and life-changing injuries.
The UN report also estimated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed during the crackdown, with 12-13% of those being minors. The interim government has expressed “deep regret” over the findings and pledged to prosecute all perpetrators of violence.
Sheikh Hasina’s former government is facing international scrutiny for its handling of the protests, which began as a student-led movement against public sector job quotas but quickly turned into a nationwide uprising. The new government led by Muhammad Yunus has asked India to extradite her on suspicion of crimes against humanity and genocide.
The UN report highlights the need for accountability and justice in Bangladesh, with Nobel laureate Yunus calling on his fellow citizens to side with justice and hold accountable those who have broken the law and violated human rights.
Source: https://www.dw.com/en/un-up-to-1400-killed-in-bangladesh-protests-crackdown/a-71587345