Diplomatic Correspondent :
The UN High Commission’s investigation into human rights violations during the July-August uprising in Bangladesh is set to gain new momentum, as its chief, Volker Turk, will visit Dhaka for a three-day tour at the end of this month.
Sources have indicated that this visit will be marked by the unveiling of a report from the UN’s investigative team, and the potential establishment of a UN Human Rights office in Bangladesh. To receive Turk, Dhaka has made all necessary preparations, with his visit expected to begin on October 29.
According to sources, Turk’s itinerary includes meetings with top officials, including a courtesy call with Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the interim government, as well as discussions with Foreign Affairs Adviser Mohammad Touhid Hossain. Turk’s visit is significant because Dr. Yunus himself extended an official invitation to the UN Rights Chief to conduct an independent and impartial investigation into the human rights violations that occurred during the July-August uprising.
The visit will also include meetings with representatives from civil society, underscoring the UN’s commitment to engaging a broad spectrum of voices in human rights dialogue. A source from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revealed that Turk’s visit was initially planned for the second week of September, but was postponed due to scheduling conflicts between both parties.
The UN investigation is considered highly significant for the interim government, as the uprising resulted in the deaths of hundreds of students, innocent civilians, and law enforcers amid widespread protests against the Awami League government.
The protests were fueled by public frustration over issues such as government corruption and the lack of civil liberties. As demonstrations erupted, the Awami League government’s violent crackdown raised alarms both domestically and internationally, prompting calls for accountability and reform.
During his visit, Turk is expected to address the findings of the UN investigative team concerning the government’s actions during these protests. The possibility of establishing a UN Human Rights Commissioner’s office in Bangladesh will also be a key topic. It is believed that this office could play a pivotal role in monitoring human rights conditions and providing guidance to the interim government.
The UN has been proactive in addressing human rights issues globally, including in Bangladesh. Following the uprisings in July-August, UN investigative teams have been compiling reports on abuses, aiming to hold those responsible accountable and document violations comprehensively.
The establishment of a UN Human Rights office in Bangladesh would represent a significant step forward in these efforts, serving as a central point for reporting, monitoring, and advising on human rights practices while fostering dialogue between the government and civil society.
Before dispatching the UN Human Rights team to Bangladesh to investigate the violations that took place during the July-August uprising, the UN Rights office on August 16 released a preliminary analysis of the protests and unrest in Bangladesh. The 30-page report stated that more than 600 people were killed, including 32 children, during the student protest movement between July 16 and August 11. Of these deaths, 400 occurred between July 16 and August 4, while around 250 people were reportedly killed during new waves of protest between August 5 and 6.
The deceased included protesters, bystanders, journalists covering the events, and members of the security forces. The majority of the deaths and injuries were attributed to security forces and the student wing affiliated with the Awami League, according to the report.
The preliminary report found serious and credible allegations that security forces responded to both protests and subsequent violence with unnecessary and disproportionate force. Police and paramilitary forces were reported to have used force indiscriminately against both peaceful protesters and those engaged in violence, employing rubber bullets, sound grenades, and firearms with live ammunition, including birdshot pellets. Reports also indicated that security forces used helicopters to fire on protesters, escalating the violence further.
At that time, Volker Turk stated, “Accountability for violations and justice for the victims are key for the way forward, and this will need to be accompanied by a national healing process.” He emphasized that “a comprehensive, impartial, and transparent investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred will be a critical first step.”
Turk further highlighted that “the transition in Bangladesh is a historic opportunity to ensure governance is anchored in human rights, inclusivity, and the rule of law,” stressing the need for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and violence.
Meanwhile, the interim government has already begun trial procedures related to cases filed against numerous individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who fled to India on August 5. It is expected that the upcoming UN report will shed further light on the investigations and trial processes.