Desk Report: The United Nations has accused the former administration of Bangladesh, led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, of orchestrating systematic attacks and killings of protesters in a violent attempt to retain power last year. The UN’s report suggests that these actions may constitute “crimes against humanity.”
According to the UN rights office, in August 2024, the Hasina-led government violently suppressed student protests, resulting in “hundreds of extrajudicial killings.” The report indicates “reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, imprisonment, and infliction of other inhumane acts, have taken place.”
The investigation revealed that security forces, along with violent elements of Hasina’s Awami League party, conducted a “widespread and systematic attack” against protesters and civilians. The unrest escalated as protests, calling for Hasina’s removal, grew in intensity. Hasina, now 77, who fled to India, currently faces an arrest warrant in Bangladesh.
The UN’s inquiry, which involved over 230 interviews and extensive documentation, was conducted at the request of interim leader Mohammed Yunus. The report highlights the consistent involvement of security forces in supporting the Hasina administration during the crackdown.
The report estimates around 1,400 casualties over a 45-day period, surpassing the interim government’s official toll of 834. Security forces were responsible for most of the deaths, with children making up 12-13 percent of the victims.
Volker Turk, UN rights chief, described the government’s actions as part of a calculated strategy to hold onto power. “There are reasonable grounds to believe that hundreds of extrajudicial killings, extensive arbitrary arrests and detentions, and torture were carried out with the knowledge, coordination, and direction of the political leadership and senior security officials as part of a strategy to suppress the protests,” he said.
The report also documented instances of gender-based violence, including threats of rape, and the victimization of children. It further noted retaliatory violence against police officers and members of the Awami League.