A United Nations team has arrived in Bangladesh to discuss the investigation of alleged human rights violations during protests that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The movement, sparked by student protests against government job quotas, resulted in the deaths of around 300 people.
After Hasina fled the country, an interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus took over. The UN team will be in Dhaka from Aug 22 to 29 to understand the government’s priorities in promoting human rights and to discuss the process of investigating the violence and unrest.
Meanwhile, two journalists, Shakil Ahmed and Farzana Rupa, have been arrested for allegedly inciting violence during the protests. The couple, accused of endorsing Hasina’s government and calling for violence, were remanded in custody following a case brought by a relative of one of the protesters killed in the demonstrations.
It is crucial to note that the UN visit is focused on discussing the investigation process and not conducting a full investigation at this time.
Published in Dawn, August 23rd, 2024