The United Nations is set to investigate the killings of protesters during the quota reform movement in Bangladesh, according to a statement from Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights. The announcement was made to the head of Bangladesh’s interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, during a phone call on Wednesday.
Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Advisor, shared the update through a post on social media platform Facebook. He wrote that Volker Turk informed Professor Yunus about the upcoming UN-led investigation, which will probe the deaths of protesters during the student uprising.
The post also mentioned that a team of UN experts would soon arrive in Bangladesh to begin their investigation. This move is seen as a significant step towards addressing the human rights violations that occurred during the movement.
In his conversation with the UN Human Rights Chief, Professor Yunus expressed his gratitude to both Volker Turk and UN Secretary-General António Guterres for their support of the student revolution in Bangladesh. He emphasized that human rights would be the cornerstone of his administration, with the highest priority being the protection of every citizen.
Shafiqul Alam also noted that Professor Yunus has sought the United Nations’ cooperation in rebuilding the nation and upholding human rights during this transitional period. The interim government, under Yunus’s leadership, appears committed to addressing past injustices and ensuring the safety and rights of all Bangladeshis as they navigate this critical phase.
