UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk said that planned killings took place during the July uprising in Bangladesh, and those responsible must be brought to justice. 

However, he reiterated that the UN does not support the death penalty.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (March 5), while presenting information on human rights violations, brutality, and repression during the July-August uprising at the UN mission in Geneva, Switzerland.

Interim government’s Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul and Mir Mahmudur Rahman Dipto, the elder brother of slain Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, were also present at the report presentation. Representatives from UN member states and civil society organizations attended the session.

Türk emphasized that serious human rights violations, brutality, and repression occurred during the uprising. 

He urged that such incidents must not happen again and stressed the need for justice against those responsible. 

He also detailed the UN’s process of gathering information on the events.

Interim government Legal Adviser Asif Nazrul expressed gratitude for the UN’s investigation into the July-August uprising and assured that efforts are underway to implement the recommendations of the report. 

He said that several commissions have already been formed to address the findings.

A video documenting the brutality in Jatrabari during the uprising was also shown at the event.

The July-August uprising in Bangladesh saw students and citizens rise against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's rule. Facing intense public outrage, Hasina resigned from her position on August 5 and fled to India.

During the uprising, security forces and ruling party cadres reportedly opened fire on protesters, resulting in the deaths of hundreds, including women and children. Thousands were injured, with many suffering permanent disabilities.

The UN conducted an investigative report on human rights violations during the uprising and released its findings on February 12. The report stated that over 1,400 people may have been killed between July 1 and August 15, while thousands sustained injuries, many due to gunfire by security forces.

BDST: 2115 HRS, March 05, 2025
MSK