Interim government in Bangladesh must prioritise human rights and avoid repeating the mistakes of the past, said Amnesty International.
Reacting to the announcement of the interim government following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation amid mass protests on Tuesday, Smriti Singh, Regional Director for South Asia at Amnesty International, issued a statement.
Smriti Singh stated, “The first order of business for any interim government should be to ensure the protection of people's right to life, free speech, and peaceful assembly, and to find ways to de-escalate any potential for further violence. Any measures proposed to move forward from this deadly chapter in Bangladesh’s history need to be rooted in the principles of justice, accountability, and non-recurrence.”
She emphasized said, “The human rights violations over the last three weeks, which have led to the deaths of more than 300 people and left thousands injured and arbitrarily arrested, should be independently and impartially investigated in a transparent manner.
"We also call again for the establishment of a prompt, independent, and impartial investigation into the deaths and injuries resulting from the protests. Those found responsible must be held accountable, and the victims of the violence should receive full reparations from the state, which includes compensation, rehabilitation, and guarantees of non-repetition," she added.
“This is an opportune moment for any new interim government in Bangladesh to show solidarity with its people, protect the most vulnerable, and not repeat the mistakes of the past,” Singh concluded.
