Staff Reporter :
The United Nations has called for justice in the killings of students and other civilians during the student protests that ultimately led to the fall of the Hasina government through a mass uprising.
Responding to a question during a press briefing at the UN Headquarters on Tuesday, Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General, confirmed the UN’s stance on the matter.
When asked about the content of a letter from UN Secretary-General António Guterres to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Dr Muhammad Yunus, a journalist inquired whether the Secretary-General had also called for justice for those responsible for the deaths of 819 people and the injury of 25,000 others, many of whom suffered gunshot wounds under the shoot-on-sight orders issued by the Hasina regime. Dujarric responded with a firm, “Yes.”
Regarding the content of the letter, Dujarric stated, “The Secretary-General welcomes efforts to restore calm and organise parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.” He added that Guterres expressed hope that Yunus’ government would take an inclusive approach, particularly by considering the voices of young people, women, and minority and indigenous communities.
“Guterres also emphasised his expectation that the interim government of Bangladesh will ensure the full protection of all citizens, with particular attention to the protection of minorities,” Dujarric continued.
The spokesperson further mentioned that the letter highlighted the Rohingya issue, stating that the Secretary-General strongly urged Dr Yunus to ensure the well-being of the Rohingya refugees, especially given the deteriorating situation in Myanmar.
The letter, issued on 16 August and shared by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing last night, conveyed Guterres’ best wishes to Yunus and welcomed his efforts to restore calm and organise parliamentary elections in Bangladesh.