Dhaka Vows Credible Probe into July-August Massacre

Law Adviser Dr Asif Nazrul has reaffirmed the interim government’s commitment to an impartial and credible investigation into the July-August massacre in Bangladesh, ensuring justice through proper judicial processes.

Speaking at a session titled “OHCHR Fact-Finding Report on Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to the Protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh: Charting the Path Forward” at the Palais des Nations in Geneva on Wednesday, he emphasized the importance of accountability.

The event, part of the ongoing 58th session of the Human Rights Council (HRC), was organized by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR). UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk presented the OHCHR Fact-Finding Report, released on February 12.

Dr Nazrul commended High Commissioner Turk for commissioning a thorough and independent investigation into the mass uprising. He highlighted that the report’s findings and collected evidence would be crucial in Bangladesh’s judicial processes.

Turk, in his address, stated that former government officials, security personnel, and affiliated violent elements systematically committed grave human rights violations in July-August 2024. He asserted that OHCHR had reasonable grounds to classify certain crimes as crimes against humanity.

Expressing continued support, Turk assured OHCHR’s cooperation in ensuring accountability, truth-telling, and national healing through its expanded presence in Bangladesh.

During the panel, Mir Mahmudur Rahman, brother of martyr Mugdha, shared his family's painful experience, while civil society representative Farzana Sharmin Emu highlighted the plight of the injured.

A forensic video on the Jatrabari atrocities was screened, drawing significant attention from diplomats and international civil society representatives.

Following the discussion, Law Adviser Dr Nazrul held a bilateral meeting with High Commissioner Turk to discuss OHCHR’s future role in Bangladesh’s accountability process.

Information Adviser Md Mahfuj Alam, Bangladesh’s Permanent Representative, and Sanjida Islam Tuli of Maayer Dak were present at both the panel and the meeting.