UN Experts to Investigate Killings in Bangladesh Post-Hasina Resignation

A team of UN experts will visit Bangladesh to investigate the killings of protesters following Sheikh Hasina's recent resignation as Prime Minister. This marks the first UN fact-finding mission in Bangladesh since 1971, amid growing allegations of human rights abuses. Interim Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus has vowed for a human rights-centered approach.

A team of UN experts is set to visit Bangladesh next week to investigate the killings of protesters following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The news was announced on Thursday.

This investigation marks the first instance of the UN sending a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh since its independence in 1971. According to a UN official, the mission will look into widespread human rights abuses, as confirmed in a post on X by the Chief Adviser of the Bangladesh Government.

Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, after Hasina's government fell and she fled to India amid violent protests over quota reforms for government jobs.

"The United Nations is dispatching a fact-finding team next week to probe allegations of atrocities during the Student Revolution in July and early August," said UN human rights chief Volker Turk, who spoke with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus late Wednesday. The statement was also shared on X, managed by Yunus' office.

Following Hasina's departure, Bangladesh descended into chaos with the Army stepping in on August 5. More than 500 people have died since mid-July due to anti-government protests.

Volker Turk assured his support for Bangladesh, emphasizing that an inclusive, human rights-centered approach is vital for the transition's success.

In a post late Wednesday, Turk said, "Promising phone call with @ChiefAdviserGoB Muhammad Yunus. I assured him of @UNHumanRights Office's solidarity with the people of #Bangladesh & our support to the interim govt at this pivotal time. An inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure this transition succeeds."

Yunus posted earlier, confirming that the UN human rights chief had called him to discuss the situation, mentioning that a fact-finding team would visit to investigate the killings. He emphasized that human rights will be the cornerstone of his administration.

Yunus also thanked the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for supporting the students' revolution during this critical period.

Meanwhile, a complaint has been filed with Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal against Hasina and eight others, accusing them of genocide and crimes against humanity amid the mass student protests.

(With inputs from agencies.)