Bangladesh says it wants to see that the leading UN entity on human rights does not align with the internationally financed and mobilized smear campaign being conducted against the country’s security and law enforcement agencies with the ulterior motive of creating political and social upheaval in the country.
“It would be regrettable if the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) were to be considered to be aligning with the internationally financed and mobilized smear campaign….,” an official source told UNB, quoting a diplomatic communication with UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk this week.
On July 23, Türk wrote to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, noting that in these challenging times, his office is ready to support her efforts in resolving the current crisis.
“I would welcome an opportunity to discuss this with you directly, either through a telephone call at your convenience, or in the margins of the Summit of the Future in New York in September. My office is also available to deploy an independent fact-finding team, which would assist in building trust among all stakeholders and to help de-escalate tensions,” a diplomatic source quoted Türk’s letter to PM Hasina.
Türk said he sincerely believes these measures would help to prevent further escalation and harm, and contribute to a resolution of this crisis.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen replied to the letter sent by the UN human rights chief acknowledging Türk’s personal interest in supporting the efforts at promoting and protecting human rights in a “sustained and forward-looking” manner.
“We remain open to meaningful engagements with you and your colleagues within and beyond the office, as we have demonstrated over the past years,” the government mentioned in its reply to Türk.
In a similar spirit, the Government of Bangladesh mentioned that Bangladesh’s political leadership would be happy to meet with him in person either in Geneva or New York at any time of mutual convenience.
Meanwhile, Bangladesh expected from the UN rights office not to make sweeping comments about the independent judiciary and professional security sector in the country by way of joining certain local and international entities to “malign and weaken” these critical state institutions.
While the government needs to maintain public order, these reports of violence against citizens advocating for their fundamental rights and future have serious implications, not only domestically and in terms of Bangladesh's human rights obligations, but also for Bangladesh's international standing, Türk mentioned in his letter.
“As one of the largest contributors to United Nations peacekeeping missions, Bangladesh has consistently been a steadfast supporter of global peace and security,” he said.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Thursday (August 1, 2024) said the United Nations and any country can send their experts for proper investigation of every incident of violence related to the quota reform movement.
“I want everything to be investigated. Because, it needs to be found out what happened behind it and how these happened. I’ve appealed to the United Nations to send their experts. If any other country wants, they can send their experts too,” she said.
Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen has said the context is different when the law enforcement agencies deal with terrorism and overwhelming destruction.
Responding to a question, the Foreign Secretary said they surely do not want any death and hoped that the judicial inquiry committee will ensure justice and accountability through proper investigation.
The Foreign Secretary said the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) did not open fire from helicopters though fake information was being circulated. He said they are trying to make sure that the foreigners do not pay heed to rumours.
Masud Momen said they are trying to provide objective information.
He said they have received video evidence that the RAB did not open fire from helicopters which they will share. "We became sure that RAB didn't open fires from helicopters."
He said the judicial inquiry committee has been tasked to investigate the whole period expanding the terms and conditions from the initial decision.
The government said it remains committed to “hold accountable” through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage.
The government ensured that due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts.
The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians.
An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect.
In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence.
