GENEVA: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, strongly condemned the violence and repression witnessed during the controversial elections in Bangladesh, urging the country to take measures to address human rights violations and strengthen its democratic foundations. The elections, boycotted by the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), resulted in Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina securing her fifth term in power.
Turk expressed concern over the arbitrary detention and intimidation of thousands of opposition supporters, emphasizing that such tactics are not conducive to a genuine democratic process. The UN rights chief cited reports of mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmail, and surveillance in the months leading up to the vote.
The statement highlighted that law enforcement officials reportedly used methods like mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmail, and surveillance in the lead-up to the elections. Turk raised alarm over reported acts of political violence, including arson attacks attributed to opposition groups. Since October 28, approximately 25,000 opposition supporters, including key party leaders, have been arrested, with at least 10 reported deaths or killings in custody.
UN Rights Chief Calls for Investigations into Rights Abuses in Bangladesh
The UN rights chief emphasized the need for independent investigations into these incidents and called for those responsible to be brought to justice through fair and transparent trials. He stressed that democracy, hard-won in Bangladesh, must not become cosmetic, and the future of all Bangladeshis is at stake. The statement called for a thorough and effective investigation into violations and irregularities during the campaign and on election day.
Turk implored the Bangladeshi government to take necessary steps to safeguard the human rights of all citizens, fostering a truly inclusive democracy. The call comes amid rising concerns about the political climate in Bangladesh, with reported human rights abuses, crackdowns on dissent, and challenges to the democratic process.
