Staff Reporter :
UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, Gwyn Lewis, has announced that a UN delegation will arrive in Dhaka next week to investigate the recent killings of protesters during the student-led movement.
The delegation, coming from Geneva, will conduct an independent preliminary inquiry, she told journalists after a courtesy meeting with Foreign Adviser Md. Touhid Hossain at his office on Thursday.
When asked if discussions had taken place with the Foreign Adviser regarding the UN’s fact-finding mission, Lewis mentioned the discussions had been brief.
The day before, UN Human Rights Commissioner Volker Turk had a phone conversation with the interim government’s chief adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus. They agreed on the UN-led investigation.
“Next week, our (UN) technical experts will arrive in Bangladesh to conduct the preliminary investigation.
Further discussions will take place regarding their mandate, how they will work with the government, and other details,” Lewis said.
Lewis emphasized that the UN team from Geneva will independently conduct the investigation and that the UN will fund this mission.
The UN Resident Coordinator met with the Foreign Adviser for over half an hour.
Referring to the phone conversation between the interim government’s chief adviser and the UN Human Rights Commissioner, Lewis noted that the interim government will assist the investigation team.
On Wednesday, the UN Human Rights Commissioner informed the interim government’s chief adviser, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, that the UN would soon begin an investigation into the killings of protesters during the recent student movement in Bangladesh.
In a tweet, Volker Turk wrote, “Promising phone call with Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
I assured him of the UN Human Rights Office’s solidarity with the people of Bangladesh and our support for the interim government at this pivotal time.”
He further added, “An inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure this transition succeeds.”
On August 10, Foreign Secretary Md. Touhid Hossain, during a press briefing, said that they have a list of 450 people killed during the student protest.
The adviser stated, “So far we have a report of 450 people, including students, killed. The two students who are in the advisory council have been tasked to make a comprehensive list of deaths and injured.”
“Those who have been killed will be compensated to their families. And those who were injured will receive free treatment,” he added.
Regarding human rights violations during the student movement, he said, “There is no denying the fact that there has been a violation of human rights.
The perpetrators will be brought to trial irrespective of politics and religion. The government is very sincere about finding out the perpetrators.”