The United Nations reported that the previous government of Bangladesh was involved in serious attacks and killings of protesters last year. This violence might be considered “crimes against humanity.” Before Sheikh Hasina, the Prime Minister, was removed from power by student protests in August, her government was accused of a brutal crackdown on those who opposed it.
A UN report looked into events in Bangladesh from July 1 to August 15 last year, finding strong evidence that the government committed acts including murder, torture, and imprisonment against protesters. Many were hurt or killed as the government tried to maintain control. The report claimed that up to 1,400 people might have died during those protests, a far higher number than the 834 deaths counted by the new interim government.
Volker Turk, the head of the UN rights office, stated that the former government used extreme violence as part of a planned strategy to stay in power against public opposition. There were many cases of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture carried out with the support of the political leaders and high-ranking security officials.
The report also highlighted that security forces deliberately targeted and killed unarmed protesters, some being shot at close range. It mentioned instances of gender-based violence, where threats of rape were used to stop women from protesting. Additionally, children were also victims of violence, facing killings and torture.
As protests continued, some people also retaliated violently against police and officials linked to the former government. Turk emphasized the need for accountability and justice to help Bangladesh heal and suggested a complete process to confront the terrible things that happened so that they don’t happen again.
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