The United Nations had cautioned the Bangladesh Army that its involvement in the July protests could jeopardise the country’s status as a troop-contributing nation for peacekeeping missions, according to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk.
Speaking in an interview on BBC’s HARDtalk aired on 5 March, Turk explained: "We gave a clear warning to the army that their involvement in the July movement could result in the loss of their peacekeeping capabilities. This intervention came at a crucial time when Muhammad Yunus assumed office as the new chief adviser of the interim administration, leading to a change in the situation."
Turk elaborated further on the student-led protests that swept the country in July and August 2024, expressing that they were a response to the widespread discontent with the previous government under Sheikh Hasina.
"There was massive repression, and the students, who had grown weary of the regime, were looking to our support. They saw hope in our voices, and in mine, as we focused international attention on their plight."
In his conversation with HARDtalk host Stephen Sackur, Turk reflected on the influence of international pressure, noting that Dr Yunus, after assuming leadership, had called upon the UN to send a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to investigate the situation.
"The mission proved invaluable. When I visited Bangladesh last year, the students were incredibly grateful for the stance we took and the support we provided," Turk remarked.
On the same day, 5 March, Turk presented a comprehensive report in Geneva on the human rights violations during the July and August 2024 protests, outlining the findings and recommendations for promoting justice and human rights reforms in Bangladesh.
"The key takeaway is that accountability for these violations is paramount. The report, issued on 12 February, identifies evidence suggesting that former government officials, security forces, and associates of the former ruling party were involved in systematic and organised human rights abuses during the protests," Turk said.
The interim government of Bangladesh and civil society representatives were also present at the presentation, engaging in a dialogue focused on ensuring justice for the victims and implementing necessary reforms.
