UN Experts Urge Bangladesh to End Crackdown, Restore Internet, and Ensure Human Rights Accountability

The experts' appeals highlight the urgent need for action to address human rights abuses and restore democratic norms in Bangladesh.

UN experts have called on the Bangladesh Government to halt the violent suppression of protests, restore full Internet access, and ensure accountability for human rights violations amidst escalating violence and unrest.

Urgent Call for Action:

Violence and Human Rights Violations: Experts express deep alarm over reports of unlawful killings, possible enforced disappearances, and torture. They are particularly concerned about targeted attacks, threats, and intimidation against protest leaders, political activists, human rights defenders, and journalists. Local media report at least 170 deaths, including policemen, with the true toll likely higher. Two journalists have been killed, and several others injured or threatened.

Need for Independent Investigations: The experts demand prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations into all reported human rights violations. Given the Bangladesh Government’s track record on human rights and public mistrust in the judiciary, they urge the Government to initiate a credible accountability process with UN support.

Context of the Crisis:

Protests and Violence: Since 1 July 2024, widespread protests have erupted against the reinstatement of a quota system for Government jobs. Violence intensified on 15 July 2024 following inflammatory statements by Government officials and attacks by Government-aligned youth groups on peaceful protesters. Law enforcement used excessive force, including live bullets, leading to property damage and retaliation by protesters. On 18 July 2024, the Government imposed a nationwide curfew, deployed the army, and issued shoot-on-sight orders.

Internet and Communication Blackout: Authorities shut down broadband and mobile Internet on 18 July, severely restricting news coverage and communication. Mobile phone communication was also disrupted, isolating the country. Internet access was partially restored on 23 July.

Calls for Transparency and Accountability:

Restoration of Rights: The experts emphasize the need for the Government to fully restore Internet and social media access and allow unrestricted media reporting. They stress the importance of transparency regarding the number of detainees, forcibly disappeared individuals, and casualties, and advocate for the careful preservation of evidence to ensure accountability.

Restoring Public Trust: While the recent court decision to scale back the controversial quota system is seen as a positive step, experts believe it is insufficient to restore public confidence. They stress that the Government must take responsibility and ensure a credible process of investigation and accountability to regain trust.

Ongoing Engagement:

UN Contact: The experts are in contact with the Bangladesh Government to address the crisis and support measures for accountability and human rights protection.

The situation remains critical as calls for international intervention and reform continue. The experts' appeals highlight the urgent need for action to address human rights abuses and restore democratic norms in Bangladesh.