A recent United Nations report has accused the government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina of committing potential “crimes against humanity” during its efforts to maintain power last year. The allegations arise from a systematic crackdown on protesters, leading to what the UN human rights office describes as “hundreds of extrajudicial killings.”
The findings were released on Wednesday, detailing events that occurred in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 15, 2024. The UN office asserted it has “reasonable grounds to believe” that serious violations, including murder, torture, and imprisonment, took place during this period.
These alleged crimes were reportedly part of a coordinated effort involving elements of Hasina’s Awami League party and the country’s security services to suppress dissent and ensure the government’s continuation in power. The situation escalated following a student-led uprising that ultimately led to Hasina’s ousting last August.
Hasina, now 77 and living in exile in India, has defied an arrest warrant issued for her return to Bangladesh to face charges related to these allegations. The UN’s inquiry indicates that Bangladesh’s security forces played a crucial role in supporting Hasina’s administration amid widespread unrest, which began as protests against civil service job quotas and grew into demands for her resignation.
The UN report estimates that as many as 1,400 individuals may have been killed in the 45 days of turmoil, with the majority reportedly shot by security forces. Notably, around 12 to 13 percent of those fatalities involved minors. This estimated death toll significantly surpasses the interim government’s recent figure of 834.
Volker Turk, the UN rights chief, stated that the government’s brutal response appeared to be a calculated strategy to cling to power in the face of mounting opposition. Turk emphasized that there are substantial grounds for believing that extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture were conducted with the knowledge and coordination of senior officials.
Following the uprising, wounded protesters have gathered to demand justice, highlighting the ongoing struggle for accountability in the country. The UN fact-finding mission was launched at the request of Bangladesh’s interim leader, Mohammed Yunus, and involved extensive interviews with victims, witnesses, and rights defenders, as well as a review of medical records and other relevant documents.
Turk underscored the importance of accountability for national healing and the future of Bangladesh, calling for a comprehensive process of truth-telling and redress for the serious human rights violations committed during this tumultuous period.
In a concurrent report, the leading Bangladeshi rights group Odhikar documented at least a dozen deaths in detention since the revolution, with claims of torture and gunshot wounds. Odhikar’s director, ASM Nasiruddin Elan, stressed that those responsible for extrajudicial killings must face justice.
The report also detailed ongoing violations by security forces, which have continued to target supporters of Hasina’s party since her exile. Odhikar reported 12 deaths between August 9 and December 31, 2024, with several victims suffering from torture or gunshot wounds while in custody.
Despite these serious allegations, the armed forces’ public relations director stated that all cases are under investigation, while police officials have been instructed to operate within legal boundaries.
Elan emphasized that even those associated with the former regime deserve justice and that extrajudicial killings must be prevented at all costs.
