UN Calls for Accountability Over Killings and Human Rights Abuses Under Sheikh Hasina’s Rule in Bangladesh

The United Nations has stressed the need to ensure accountability for killings and human rights violations committed in Bangladesh during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. It also wants justice for the crimes documented by its fact-finding mission during the violence of July and August 2024.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq outlined the organisation’s position at a briefing at the UN headquarters in New York.
A journalist asked about reports by international media and the UN fact-finding mission documenting widespread loss of life during Hasina’s rule. The journalist also asked about the current situation, in which her supporters are reportedly attempting to destabilise the country again, and sought the UN’s position on the matter.
In response, Mr. Haq said he had no new comment on the specific issue. However, he stressed that the UN wanted proper accountability for all crimes committed in Bangladesh, including those identified and documented by its fact-finding mission.

He also said all political parties and political figures should enjoy full freedom to participate in political activities.
According to a report by the UN Human Rights Council’s fact-finding mission, more than 1,400 people were killed and several thousand injured in the violence in Bangladesh between July and mid-August 2024.