Bangladesh: UN experts call for immediate end to violent crackdown and full accountability for human rights violations

GENEVA  – UN experts* today called on the Bangladesh Government to immediately end the violent crackdown against protesters and political opponents, fully restore access to the Internet and social media and ensure accountability for human rights violations.

“We have been alarmed by the large number of unlawful killings, possible enforced disappearances, torture and the detention of thousands of people,” the experts said.

“We are deeply concerned by reports of targeted attacks, threats, intimidation and retaliation by the authorities and Government-aligned groups against protest leaders, political activists, human rights defenders and journalists,” they said.

Local media report that at least 170 people, including policemen, are confirmed dead, with the actual death toll likely to be much higher. At least two journalists have been killed and several others injured. There are also disturbing reports of journalists being threatened by authorities for their news reporting.

“Prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations in line with internationally recognised standards must be carried out into all human rights violations,” the experts said.

Given the Bangladesh Government’s history of broken promises with regards to human rights, and the lack of public trust in the judiciary, the experts urged the Government to initiate a credible accountability process with the support of the United Nations and offered their assistance.

“We call on the authorities to immediately release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process for those charged and prosecuted in connection with their role in the violence,” they said.

Since 1 July 2024, students across the country have been protesting against the re-instatement of a quota system for Government jobs. Violence erupted on 15 July 2024 after inflammatory public statements by Government officials and attacks by Government-aligned youth groups on the peaceful protesters. Law enforcement authorities reportedly rushed in to support government-aligned groups and used excessive force, including live bullets, against unarmed protesters. Some of the protesters retaliated, destroying and burning public property and vehicles. On 18 July 2024, the Government announced a nationwide curfew and called in the army to restore law and order, giving the military shoot-on-sight orders.

On 18 July 2024 the authorities shut down broadband and mobile Internet, preventing access to websites, social media and web-based mobile phone communications. This measure drastically restricted news coverage and access to information. Mobile phone communication has also been disrupted, effectively cutting off the country from the outside world. Internet was partially restored on 23 July.

“The Government needs to fully restore the Internet and access to social media immediately and ensure that local and foreign media are granted full access to report on the developments without being attacked, threatened or pressured,” the experts said.

“The State must uphold people’s right to information. Total transparency and accuracy on the numbers of those detained, forcibly disappeared, killed or subjected to other human rights violations, as well as careful preservation of evidence is essential to ensuring accountability and restoring public trust,” the experts said.

They warned that while a recent decision by the courts to scale back the controversial quota system was an important step in the right direction, it will not be sufficient to restore the people’s trust and confidence in the Government.

“To regain public trust, the Government needs to take responsibility and ensure a credible process of investigation and accountability to hold perpetrators to account,” the experts said.

They are in contact with the Government of Bangladesh on this matter.