Staff Reporter :
The Bangladesh Army has refuted claims made by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, that it was warned about possible repercussions for its role in last year’s July Uprising.
In a statement issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) on Sunday, the military asserted that no direct communication had been received from the UN High Commissioner regarding its involvement in the protests.
The clarification comes in response to remarks made by Türk during an interview on BBC’s HARDtalk, in which he suggested that the UN had cautioned the Bangladesh Army that any interference in the July movement could jeopardize its participation in peacekeeping operations.
The ISPR statement sought to “ensure accuracy and transparency” in light of what it described as a misrepresentation of facts.
“The Bangladesh Army did not receive any direct communication or intent from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the matter stated by Mr. Türk,” the ISPR statement read.
It further noted that any concerns raised by the UN would have been conveyed to the previous government, not to the military leadership itself.
Emphasizing its adherence to the rule of law, the Bangladesh Army stated that it operates strictly within national security directives and remains committed to human rights principles.
The ISPR asserted that Türk’s comments, which have been “taken out of context by certain quarters,” could misrepresent the army’s role and undermine its professional reputation.
The military also highlighted its role in maintaining public safety during the July-August 2024 protests.
“During the July-August protests, the Army once again stood by the people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence,” the statement read, underscoring its historical legacy of neutrality.
The July Uprising saw mass demonstrations across Bangladesh, demanding political reforms and accountability. While security forces, including the police and paramilitary units, were deployed in various parts of the country, the army maintained a limited role, acting largely as a stabilizing force.
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions, with its troops deployed in conflict zones across Africa and the Middle East. The ISPR statement stressed the military’s continued dedication to its global peacekeeping commitments.
“As the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, the Bangladesh Army is globally recognized for its professionalism and dedication,” it said, adding that peacekeeping missions have significantly contributed to the country’s economy.
According to the statement, while individual peacekeepers receive only a small fraction of the earnings from these missions, the overall contribution has amounted to approximately Tk 27,000 crore over the past 23 years.
The Bangladesh Army reaffirmed its commitment to working with the international community, including the UN Human Rights Office, through open dialogue.
“The Bangladesh Army deeply values its partnership with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights and remains steadfast in its commitment to serving both the people of Bangladesh and the global community,” the ISPR noted.
