UN Fact-Finding Mission to Finalize Report by Early December: Türk

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk announced that the independent UN Fact-Finding Mission, currently investigating atrocities during Bangladesh's July-August mass uprising, is expected to finalize its report by the first week of December.

Türk made these remarks during a meeting with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus at the latter’s office in Tejgaon, Dhaka. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam briefed reporters on the meeting at the Foreign Service Academy that evening.

During the meeting, Türk updated Yunus on the progress of the fact-finding mission and his discussions with various stakeholders in Dhaka, including government advisers, the army chief, heads of reform commissions, students, and officials.

He also touched on the ongoing work of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, which is investigating serious crimes committed during the revolution, and the efforts of reform commissions established by the interim government to bring meaningful institutional reforms.

"There are many things that need fixing," Türk noted, adding that he had also met members of the Inquiry Commission investigating numerous enforced disappearances during the dictatorship. He said his office is providing support to the Inquiry Commission and urged the Chief Adviser to further empower the National Human Rights Commission by making it independent and fully functional.

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Türk expressed the UN’s interest in strengthening its presence in Dhaka.

In response, Chief Adviser Yunus thanked the UN rights chief for his visit and support during the revolution, noting that "the people of Bangladesh are grateful for your presence." Yunus reiterated his government’s commitment to upholding human rights and ensuring that development aligns with human rights principles. He also emphasized the government’s determination not to repeat the mistakes of the previous administration.

The two leaders also discussed the ongoing Rohingya crisis, focusing on the recent influx of refugees from Myanmar. Türk called for greater international support for the refugees and sustained efforts to resolve the crisis.

Yunus requested UN assistance in establishing a safe zone within Myanmar’s Rakhine state to allow internally displaced people to remain near their homes. Both Türk and Yunus urged ASEAN to play a more active role in resolving the crisis, emphasizing the need for a sustainable solution.