The United Nations has presented a human rights fact-finding report in Geneva on abuses and violations related to the protests in Bangladesh during July-August 2024. While presenting the report, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated that the UN does not support the death penalty but emphasized the need for justice.
On Wednesday, 5 March, during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, Türk presented the findings. Law advisor Asif Nazrul was also present at the session.
A day before the session, the commission announced that it would engage in discussions with member states and civil society regarding accountability, justice, and human rights reforms in Bangladesh. Representatives from Bangladesh’s interim government and civil society also participated in the event.
Presenting the report to member states, Türk said that the independent investigation offers a real and accurate picture of the situation in Bangladesh. He added that it would support efforts for accountability, compensation, and necessary reforms. Türk expressed his belief that the interim government would ensure justice and accountability for the killings in July.
During his global human rights update at the council, Türk emphasized the importance of ensuring due process in criminal cases and investigating retaliatory violence against minorities.
He noted that Bangladesh faced severe turmoil last year, with the then-government responding to student protests with what he described as “brutal suppression” and human rights violations.
Law advisor Asif Nazrul, speaking at the session, said that the interim government is working towards justice and has already established several commissions for the purpose.
