In a stern rebuke, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, voiced deep concern over the violence and repression marred Bangladesh elections. Despite securing her fifth term, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina faced significant challenges, including opposition boycotts, strikes, and allegations of human rights abuses.
Turk’s statement implored the Bangladeshi government to take immediate steps to safeguard the human rights of its citizens and fortify the foundations of a truly inclusive democracy. The condemnation specifically addressed the arbitrary detention of thousands of opposition supporters and reported incidents of intimidation.
The UN rights chief highlighted disturbing tactics such as mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmailing, and surveillance employed by law enforcement officials in the lead-up to the vote. Turk lamented acts of political violence, including arson attacks allegedly carried out by opposition groups, and raised alarms about serious concerns regarding possible torture or harsh conditions of detention for detainees.
The statement underscored that approximately 25,000 opposition supporters, including key party leaders, had been arrested since October 28, with at least 10 reported deaths or killings in custody. Turk stressed the urgent need for independent investigations into these incidents, insisting that those responsible be brought to justice through fair and transparent trials.
The UN rights chief urged thorough and effective investigations into violations and irregularities during the campaign and on election day. Turk emphasized that the hard-won democracy in Bangladesh should not be reduced to a mere cosmetic facade, declaring that the future of all Bangladeshis hangs in the balance.
By AFP
