Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) on Friday said the fact-finding investigation planned by the UN OHCHR should encompass not only the killings and injuries inflicted on student protesters.
In a statement, he said it should also look into the widespread violence against religious minorities, as well as incidents of injury, arson, looting, vandalism, and political reprisals against members of the former ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League.
A preliminary team of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is in Dhaka to discuss the process for investigating human rights violations in light of the recent violence and unrest.
The team from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, led by Chief of the Asia-Pacific section Rory Mungoven, will be visiting Dhaka until August 29 for preliminary discussions with the interim government and other stakeholders.
The UN OHCHR team currently in Dhaka is engaging with the interim government, advisors, ministries, civil society, and a broad section of Bangladesh’s society to understand the country’s priorities for promoting human rights.
The team is also exploring how the Office of the High Commissioner can assist in fact-finding and investigations, supporting national processes as they move forward.
After his meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday, Rory Mungoven said they are in Dhaka to hold some preliminary discussions and exploratory discussion with the interim government and see how their office can support the interim government and people of Bangladesh at this historic time.
“We see this is a historic opportunity for the country in restoring democracy, renewing institutions and advancing human rights,” he said.
Rory Mungoven said they would like to hear Bangladesh’s priorities and its needs going forward and explore some areas where the office could assist.
This is in response to a request from the interim government. Once the details are finalized, a separate fact-finding team will be dispatched in the coming weeks to conduct the investigation.
The JMBF said they are profoundly alarmed by the recent surge of violence in Bangladesh during the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement and following the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s government in July-August 2024.
JMBF believes that the violence and loss of life witnessed by the Bangladeshi people are deeply troubling and demands immediate action to ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable.
According to reports from various media outlets, approximately 700 people-including student protesters and their allies, journalists, members of law enforcement, and individuals associated with the then-ruling Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings-have tragically lost their lives in this wave of violence.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, added, “It is urgent and essential to bring to justice all those responsible for these human rights violations and acts of violence, regardless of their affiliation. This is crucial for restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh.”
JMBF urged the UN OHCHR to ensure that the investigation into these incidents is thorough, impartial, and transparent, to restore the faith of the Bangladeshi people in the rule of law. “We trust that the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will take all necessary steps to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.”
The unrest began when members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League attacked peaceful participants in the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement, with law enforcement agencies exacerbating the situation by opening fire.
Following the escape of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, the violence escalated into widespread chaos, including looting, arson, and targeted attacks on religious minorities and members of the former ruling party.
Hindus and other minority communities have been particularly vulnerable, suffering from horrific acts including killings, rapes, and the destruction of temples, homes, and businesses, it said.
Additionally, there have been reports of revenge killings targeting members of the former ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League, and police officers.
