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Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh | UNHR

6 months ago
OHCHR-Preliminary-Analysis-of-Recent-Protests-and-Unrest-in-Bangladesh-16082024_2

This report, prepared by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, provides a preliminary analysis of the protests and unrest in Bangladesh from mid-June to early August 2024. The unrest began with student protests against reinstating a quota system for civil service positions, which quickly escalated into broader demonstrations against the government. The report highlights serious human rights violations committed by security forces, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, torture, and restrictions on freedom of expression. The government’s response included deploying paramilitary units, imposing internet shutdowns, and implementing curfews. The situation culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government on August 5, 2024, and the establishment of an Interim Government.

The report details the chronology of events, from peaceful student protests to widespread violence and property destruction. According to available public reports by media and the protest movement itself, between 16 July and 11 August, more than 600 people were killed. Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from 16 July to 4 August, while 6 around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between 5 and 6 August. The security forces are accused of using unnecessary and disproportionate force, including live ammunition against unarmed protesters. The report also mentions attacks on religious minorities and retaliatory violence against police and members of the former ruling party following the government’s fall.

Source – Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, UN

Published – 16 August 2024