UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday said his office stands ready to support the government of Bangladesh to conduct an impartial, independent and transparent investigation into all alleged human rights violations.
He said the authorities must also provide guarantees of non-recurrence and an assurance there will be no reprisals against those involved in the protests. Longer-term, comprehensive security sector reform is also important to prevent future abuses and safeguard the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.
Türk in a statement said that he hoped the Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday to substantially narrow the quota system for government jobs - a system that had set off last week’s protests - may open space for confidence-building, leading to meaningful and inclusive dialogue to address underlying issues and grievances.
He appealed to all political actors to avoid any statements or actions that could constitute incitement to violence or lead to a further crackdown on dissent.
It is vitally important that the government rebuilds public trust and creates an environment conducive to public dialogue on the underlying issues that led to this wave of violence, he said.
“Today, I am calling on the Bangladesh Government urgently to disclose full details about last week’s crackdown on protests amid growing accounts of horrific violence," he said.
Latest reports indicate that more than 170 people have been killed and over a thousand injured - some of whom were denied medical care - and many are missing following protests by students and youth movements against government policies, he claimed.
At least two journalists have been reportedly killed and scores of others injured.
Hundreds of people have also been arrested, including opposition figures.
"It is imperative that the government provides the details of those killed, injured, or detained for the benefit of their families," said the UN rights chief.
The government must also restore, without delay, full Internet access to allow all people, including journalists and media outlets, to communicate freely and in line with international law, he said.
Critically, the UN rights chief said, it must ensure law enforcement agencies operate in line with international human rights norms and standards, particularly with respect to policing protests.
