The United Nations Human Rights Office has released a report on the recent violence in Bangladesh.
It said about 650 people were killed in violent incidents during the unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 and August 11.
The report suggests thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention of people.
The 10-page report, titled ‘Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh’, said around 400 deaths occurred between July 16 and August 4. Around 250 people died after protests turned violent between August 5-6.
Sheikh Hasina was forced to resign as Prime Minister after the protests took the form of an anti-government movement. Public reports have been presented by the media and movement groups.
These claimed that more than 600 people were killed in incidents of violence following anti-discrimination student demonstrations between 16 July and 11 August.
The report, released in Geneva on Friday, said the number of reprisal killings since that time was yet to be determined.
The UNHCR report said several deaths occurred between 7-11 August, including those who died while receiving medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence.
Hospitals are overcrowded with patients
The report said that the dead included protesters, passersby, journalists and several security personnel. It said that thousands of protesters and passersby were injured and hospitals were overwhelmed with patients.
According to the report, the number of deaths is likely an underestimate as restrictions on movement due to curfews and internet shutdowns hampered information collection.
The authorities have also prevented hospitals from releasing details of those killed and injured. There are strong indications that security forces used unnecessary and excessive force to handle the situation. Therefore, an independent investigation is needed into all this.
The need for a transparent investigation
According to the report, there is a need for a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the alleged violations. These include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression.
There were incidents of looting, arson and attacks on members of religious minorities following Hasina’s resignation on August 5. There were also reports of retaliatory attacks and killings against members of the former ruling party and the police.
The report emphasises the importance of swift restoration of law and order and the need to take effective measures to prevent loss of life and property, violence and reprisals.
Violence against minorities
The office of UN human rights chief Volker Turk released a preliminary report on Friday, stressing the need for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and violence, including violence against religious minorities in Bangladesh.
Calling for a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation of all human rights violations, Turk also said the transition in the South Asian country is a historic opportunity to ensure that governance is based on human rights, inclusiveness and the rule of law.
The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance has said that the minority community has faced attacks and threats at 278 places in 48 districts since the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government.
Several temples, houses and business establishments of the minority community were destroyed in Bangladesh amid unrest this month.
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