Summary

Triggered by the reinstatement of a quota system for allocation of civil service positions, initially peaceful student protests in Bangladesh that started in mid-June 2024 were followed by violence and serious human rights violations committed by security forces. Hundreds of people are believed to have been killed, including at least 32 children, and thousands injured. There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation. Alleged violations included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on exercise of freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

This report, prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, provides a preliminary overview of key human rights violations and concerns observed in connection with recent events in Bangladesh. It compiles data from multiple open sources and other remotely accessible reliable sources to provide a preliminary overview of the human rights concerns that arose during the recent protests and the state’s response from July until 6 August 2024. The information contained in this report is not comprehensive due to significant restrictions on internet access and disruption to communication channels during this period.

The report makes a number of recommendations for the Interim Government to ensure accountability for those responsible for human rights violations, in line with Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations, and the right of victims to effective remedies. It also makes recommendations to the international community. These recommendations are designed to de-escalate tensions, prevent recurrence through security sector and other priority reforms, and ensure a democratic, peaceful and inclusive transition in line with human rights principles.