UN Calls for Probe into Violence Against AL Supporters, Police

The United Nations human rights body has called on Bangladesh's interim government to swiftly and thoroughly investigate violent crimes targeting supporters of the Awami League (AL), police officers, and members of various religious and indigenous communities, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to justice. This call was made in a UN report released on Wednesday.

The report stresses that the interim government must uphold its human rights obligations, particularly the right to life and security, by addressing the risks of serious abuses and ensuring timely accountability.

Despite the UN's request for detailed information on its accountability measures, the interim government has yet to provide a response. However, the government has reported that at least 100 arrests were made in connection to communal attacks against minorities. The UN report, however, highlights a lack of comprehensive data regarding arrests related to the violence targeting AL supporters and police officers.

The report also sheds light on the human rights violations committed by the former government, security, and intelligence agencies, alongside violent elements affiliated with the Awami League, during last year's student-led protests. The UN's findings suggest an official policy of violently repressing anti-government protesters and their sympathizers, which raises serious concerns about potential crimes against humanity requiring further criminal investigation.

Drawing on credible sources and testimonies, the report estimates that between July 1 and August 15 of last year, as many as 1,400 people may have been killed, with thousands more injured—many of them shot by Bangladesh’s security forces. Alarmingly, approximately 12-13 percent of the fatalities were children.

Furthermore, the report confirms that at least 44 police officers were killed during the violent events, as reported by Bangladesh Police.

The UN's call for justice underscores the urgent need for an independent, thorough investigation into the violent crimes and the protection of victims' rights.