Law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh have been accused of "unnecessary" and "excessive" use of force in suppressing student-led protests, according to a recent United Nations report.
The report, titled "Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh," was released on Friday (16 August), from Geneva. It highlights serious and credible allegations against the police and paramilitary forces for their actions during both peaceful protests and violent incidents.
The 10-page report was published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). It details instances of excessive force used by law enforcement agencies in response to protests that erupted between 6 July and 4 August, leading to significant unrest in the country.
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country on 5 August, amid a mass student movement. Her departure marked the end of her 15-year rule. The report mentions that around 400 people were reported dead during the protests, with approximately 250 deaths occurring between 5 and 6 August.
The UN report also points to extrajudicial killings, illegal arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture, and other forms of ill-treatment, as well as severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly during the protests.
On 8 August, the interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Dr. Muhammad Yunus, was sworn in. The interim government, consisting of a 21-member advisory council, has invited the United Nations to investigate the violence that occurred during the protests and the circumstances surrounding Sheikh Hasina's ouster.
