The political transition underway in Bangladesh represents an historic opportunity to ensure governance is anchored in human rights, inclusivity and the rule of law, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Friday.

Volker Türk also stressed the need for accountability for rights violations and violence connected to anti-government protests that rocked the country in recent weeks, prompting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign and flee to India.

An interim administration headed by Nobel Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on 8 August during a ceremony at the presidential palace in the capital, Dhaka.

Reform, revitalize, restore

“The transition ahead presents an historic opportunity to reform and revitalize the country’s institutions, to restore fundamental freedoms and civic space, and to give all in Bangladesh a part in building the future,” said Mr. Türk, whose office, OHCHR, has issued a preliminary report on the unrest.

“Accountability for violations and justice for the victims are key for the way forward and will need to be accompanied by a national healing process,” he added. “A comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred will be a critical first step.”

The protests, which began in mid-June, were triggered by the reinstatement of a controversial quota system for civil service jobs.

Protests met with violence

University students initially took to the streets in peaceful demonstrations which were followed by violence and serious human rights violations committed by security forces.  Hundreds were reportedly killed, including at least 32 children, and thousands injured.

According to the report, “there are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation.”

It went on to say that additional alleged violations also warrant thorough, impartial and transparent investigations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on the freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly.

Restore law and order

Following the Government’s resignation on 5 August, there were also reports of looting, arson and attacks on members of religious minorities in Bangladesh, as well as reprisals against and revenge killings of members of the former ruling party and police.

On 15 August, mobs armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods and pipes reportedly assaulted supporters of the former Prime Minister. Journalists were also reportedly attacked and threatened, preventing them from filming at the scenes.

The report stressed the importance of rapidly restoring law and order, and the need for effective measures to prevent further loss of life, violence and acts of reprisals.

Law enforcement training

Recommendations include ensuring that law enforcement agencies receive clear instructions and training on the use of force, in line with international human rights standards.

Officers must also protect populations at risk, including minority communities, against any retaliatory or revenge violence.

The UN rights chief has welcomed the initiative by various student organisations, faith leaders and others, who are forming groups to protect minorities and religious sites belonging to minority communities.

Hold perpetrators to account

Mr. Türk called for all persons responsible for human rights violations, including those who used or ordered the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, to be held to account. Victims must be provided reparations and effective remedies, he added.

Additionally, he welcomed the release of thousands of detainees and longer-term political prisoners, including some victims of enforced disappearance, and urged the release of all those arbitrarily detained.

The human rights report also called for a systematic approach to vetting for any appointments and dismissals to the judiciary, security sector and other institutions.

Mission to Dhaka

The High Commissioner also announced that a team from his Office will visit Dhaka next week to explore how it can support the transition. Discussions will also focus on the modalities for an investigation into human rights violations related to the recent violence and unrest.

“As I assured the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus in our phone call this week, we stand in solidary with the people of Bangladesh at this time and are committed to supporting the Interim Government for a successful transition that is inclusive and advances the rights of all the people in Bangladesh,” he said.