UN calls for investigation into killings, minority protection Amidst ongoing protests in Bangladesh

A senior UN official called for an investigation into the killings that occurred during protests in Bangladesh, which contributed to the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The official also emphasized the need for protections for minorities and a national process for truth and healing, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

Bangladesh has experienced increasing tensions and protests in recent months, culminating in large demonstrations that forced Hasina to seek refuge in India on August 5, leading to an interim government headed by Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus.

"After any period of repression, upheaval, and violence, there needs to be a national process of truth and healing to move forward," stated UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk during his visit to Bangladesh. He underscored that seeking justice for the severe violence against protesters, including children killed and injured in July and August, is a priority.

The protests originated as a student-led movement against public-sector job quotas in July. Human rights organizations have accused Hasina of employing excessive force against demonstrators, a claim she has denied. This unrest marked one of the deadliest periods in the country since its independence in 1971, resulting in over 1,000 fatalities and numerous injuries, particularly among protesting university and college students, according to the interim health ministry.

Following Hasina's departure, unrest persisted as her party officials and supporters faced backlash from protesters, with reports of attacks on Bangladeshi minorities. Türk indicated that his office's fact-finding mission is looking into allegations of attacks against minorities that occurred between August 5 and August 15. He stressed the importance of a prompt response from authorities to any reported incidents, including thorough investigations and accountability for perpetrators.

By Vafa Guliyeva