He emphasized that it would take courage and strength to realize human rights in the country after an era of repression and violence, and to reestablish civil society to heal old rifts.
“This unique, unprecedented moment in Bangladesh’s history is the result of young women and men taking to the streets who, despite facing personal risk, have demonstrated that they can no longer be ignored or marginalized.”
The UN’s top official for human rights noted that the current changes are the result of the aspirations with which the movement was formed and the participation of protesters from different backgrounds.
In this regard, it is important to take an inclusive approach to hear every voice regardless of gender identity, race, political ideology or religion.
Volker Turk said that women are at the center of the social justice movement and this was also seen in the July protests. Now they need to be put in leadership and decision-making positions. In parallel, the participation of ethnic, religious minorities and tribal communities is also important in the process of improving the country’s system.
The UN’s top human rights official visited Bangladesh from October 29-30, where he interacted with senior government officials and other stakeholders, including civil society representatives.
Period of change
Protests started in July this year on university campuses against quota reservation in government jobs in Bangladesh. During these protests, government forces were accused of using repressive force, killing hundreds and injuring thousands.
In this situation, the Prime Minister of the then government, Sheikh Hasina, had to resign and she had to leave the country and take refuge in India. An interim government was then formed, with the country’s Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus as its chief adviser.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk met Dr Yunus on Wednesday and welcomed his commitment to ensuring human rights, social justice and accountability.
He referred to his visit to Nitol Hospital on Wednesday, where students who were shot during protests in July are being treated.
He said brutal violence was carried out against protesters and others in July and August, injuring a large number of people, including children. Investigation of such incidents should be taken as a priority.
“Criminal justice is important, but it is also important to ensure that charges are not laid in haste. “Due process and fair trial standards must be maintained throughout this process.”
Volkar Turk, High Commissioner for Human Rights in the speech of the students of Dhaka University.
Allegations of attacks on minorities
The UN High Commissioner said a fact-finding team from his office was investigating allegations of attacks against Bangladeshi minorities between August 5 and 15.
Volker Turk says that risk is always in change, especially for vulnerable communities. He appreciated the efforts of students and others to protect minorities.
He said that it is necessary for the local administration to take immediate action on any such incident, these cases are investigated in detail and the culprits are held accountable.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights said this would help build trust with minority communities, which is essential in this era of misinformation, deliberate misinformation and hate propaganda on social media.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights expressed his support and solidarity with Bangladesh for providing shelter to the Rohingya refugees. He expressed concern that the situation in Myanmar’s Rakhine state is going from bad to worse. Therefore, humane approach should be adopted to ensure the safety of new refugees arriving in Bangladesh.
It is said that the United Nations Human Rights Office will continue to provide necessary assistance in the transitional process through its presence in Bangladesh.