A recent UN human rights office report estimates that up to 1,400 people may have been killed in Bangladesh during student-led protests against ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government over three weeks last summer. The report found that security and intelligence services “systematically engaged” in rights violations, amounting to potential crimes against humanity.
Citing credible sources, the UN office estimates that between July 15 and August 5, thousands more were injured, with the vast majority of those killed and injured shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. Over 11,700 people were detained, and about 12-13% of those estimated to have been killed were children.
The report also details “summary executions” by security forces shooting unarmed protesters at point-blank range. UN human rights chief Volker Türk stated that extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture were conducted with the knowledge and coordination of top officials to suppress protests.
A fact-finding team deployed by the UN found that despite government changes, “the system has not necessarily changed.” The report highlighted a potential conflict of interest due to continuity among former regime officials still holding power. The investigators issued recommendations for reforms, including improving the justice system and setting up a witness protection program.
The protests began as peaceful demonstrations over a quota system for government jobs but escalated into a major uprising against Hasina’s government amid long-standing grievances about economic inequality and lack of rights.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/02/12/asia/un-rights-office-bangladesh-protests-crackdown-intl-latam/index.html