The United Nations is examining reported attacks on minorities in Bangladesh following the August transition, the UN human rights chief said on Wednesday in Dhaka.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, met with Muhammad Yunus, the interim government’s Chief Adviser, and other advisers, civil society members, and students.
“Our fact-finding mission is investigating allegations of attacks against minorities between August 5 and 15,” Turk told a news conference after a two-day visit to Bangladesh.
“Transitions are always risky, but this is especially true for vulnerable groups. “I applaud the efforts of students and others to protect minorities,” he said.
Turk stated the authorities must hold the culprits accountable.
“It is vital that the authorities respond quickly to any incidents reported, by conducting thorough investigations and holding perpetrators accountable. This will help build trust with minority communities, especially in light of troubling campaigns of misinformation and disinformation as well as hate campaigns on social media,” Turk said.
The largest minority group in Bangladesh, the Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (HBCOP), had earlier in September urged the UN to look into communal violence against minorities in the nation.
“Criminal justice is key, but it is crucial to ensure that charges are not brought in haste, and that due process and fair trial standards are upheld throughout, including in the International Crimes Tribunal” , the UN’s head of human rights stated.
Bangladeshi authorities are considering using Interpol and other foreign law enforcement agencies to arrest former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and senior party officials for suspected crimes against humanity committed during the July-August insurrection.
“It is key that criminal cases are not filed against individuals solely on the basis of their previous political affiliation, including members or supporters of Awami League”, he added.
“There are concerns that some charges are not founded on proper investigation, including a large number of murder charges against journalists,” he said.
Two months ago, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600. Hasina, 76, fled to India on August 5 and an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed.
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Source: HT
