Bangladesh must respect freedom of expression

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Thursday called on the Bangladeshi government to provide explicit details on the crackdown on protests and the rise in violence recorded last week, to ensure that law enforcement agencies respect international human rights standards.

In recent weeks, students in Bangladesh have been protesting against the government to demand an end to the quota system for public jobs, amid rising unemployment. As the demonstrations continue, There were outbreaks of violence that caused deaths and the closure of public and private universities..

The result of the protests

The latest reports indicate that More than 170 people have died and more than a thousand have been injured. Two journalists were reportedly killed and many others injured, while hundreds of people were arrested amid the protests.

The High Commissioner said many people were subjected to violence by groups allegedly affiliated with the government and that there was no effort to protect them.

“To begin rebuilding severely damaged public trust and create an enabling environment for public dialogue on the underlying concerns that led to this wave of violence, I urge the government to ensure that all law enforcement operations are carried out in strict accordance with international human rights norms and standards, particularly with regard to policing protests, including the use of force,” he said.

Internet access

Türk also called on the government to restore internet access, which was blocked last Thursday, so that journalists and media outlets can communicate freely in accordance with international law.

“Strong measures such as the widespread and deliberate shutdown of the Internet for a prolonged period contravene international law and undermine the obligation of States to respect freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly, as well as a wide range of other rights, including freedom of association and movement, the right to health and education and a range of economic guarantees,” the High Commissioner stressed.

He also noted that Internet shutdowns may reduce public scrutiny of law enforcementincreasing the risk of “impunity for their actions”.

Call to action

Four independent UN human rights experts also called on the Bangladeshi government to end the violent crackdown and restore internet access as student protests continue.

The special rapporteurs expressed that they are alarmed by the number of murders, arrests and threats.

“We call on the authorities to immediately release all peaceful protesters and ensure due process for those charged and prosecuted in connection with their role in the violence,” they said, adding: “Swift, thorough, independent and impartial investigations, in line with internationally recognised standards, must be conducted into all human rights violations.”

The Supreme Court

The UN High Commissioner referred to the Bangladesh Supreme Court’s ruling on Sunday, which “reduces the quota system for government jobs” that triggered the protests, and called politicians to “avoid any statement or action that could constitute an incitement to violence” or lead to further repression of dissent.”

According to experts, the recent court decision is important, but it will not be enough to restore public confidence in the government.

“To regain public trust, the government must assume its responsibility and ensure a credible process of investigation and accountability so that those responsible are brought to justice,” they said.

Experts are in contact with the Bangladesh government to discuss this matter.

Role of the rapporteurs

Special rapporteurs and other experts appointed by the Human Rights Council of the UN are independent of any government or organization.

They perform their duties on an individual basis and do not receive any remuneration for their work.