Dhaka, Bangladesh (February 13, 2025) – The latest report by the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) on Bangladesh has sparked widespread controversy and condemnation from various political factions and the general public. The report, which examines human rights violations that occurred between July and August, has been criticized for being one-sided and allegedly influenced by the Yunus government.
According to the UNHRC report, a total of 44 police officers were killed in various incidents across the country during this period. The report claims that these events were part of a broader conspiracy involving political leadership and senior security officials, leading to numerous extrajudicial killings and acts of violence.
However, critics argue that the report fails to address several critical aspects of the events that transpired. Notably, the head of the All-European Awami League has condemned the report, calling it biased and asserting that it was prepared under the dictates of the Yunus government.
Key Points of Contention
- Alleged Conspiracy and Leadership Involvement:
- In a television talk show, Hasib Al Islam, a coordinator of the anti-discrimination student movement, controversially stated that the revolution would not have been achieved without incidents of arson and violence.
- Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the chief advisor of the current government, acknowledged in a speech at the Clinton Global Initiative Leaders Stage event that the July-August movement was a meticulously organized effort, with no identifiable leader, making it difficult for authorities to quell the unrest.
- Overlooked Aspects of the Report:
- Dr. Yunus appointed M. Sakhawat Hossain as the Home Minister, who highlighted in a press briefing that many injured security personnel were hit by bullets from 7.62mm rifles, fired by civilians, rather than police weapons. This raises questions about the origins of these firearms and the identity of the individuals involved.
- The report does not sufficiently address the violence that erupted after August 5, targeting Awami League supporters, religious minorities, government officials, and security personnel. The UNHRC report also overlooked the attacks on over 450 police stations, which were vandalized or set on fire.
- Judicial Investigation and UN Assistance:
- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina formed a judicial investigation committee to look into the killings and sought UN assistance for the investigation. However, the committee’s activities were halted after Yunus assumed power, raising suspicions about the true intentions behind the cessation of the investigation.
Conclusion
The All-European Awami League and other critics of the UNHRC report argue that it is biased and fails to provide a comprehensive account of the events that transpired between July and August. They urge the UN to conduct a forensic examination of the bodies and seek further investigation into the involvement of civilians with firearms during the violence.
The call for a more balanced and thorough investigation continues as the nation grapples with the fallout from these turbulent events and the implications of the UNHRC’s findings.