The Bangladesh Army has stated that it had no direct communication or request from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding comments made by UN High Commissioner Volker Türk in a recent interview with BBC HARDtalk, according to a press release from the Inter-Services Public Relations Directorate (ISPR) issued on Monday.
The statement clarified that certain aspects of Türk’s remarks needed to be addressed to ensure accuracy and transparency.
During his BBC HARDtalk interview on Wednesday, Türk mentioned that the Bangladesh Army had been cautioned about the potential removal from UN peacekeeping operations if it engaged in repression during the July-August Uprising.
However, ISPR emphasized that this remark had been taken out of context by certain quarters, potentially misrepresenting the army's role and undermining its reputation, professionalism, and sacrifices.
"If any concerns were raised, they were conveyed to the then-government of Bangladesh, not directly to the Army leadership," the statement said.
The ISPR further affirmed that the Bangladesh Army operates strictly within the framework of national security directives, upholding the rule of law and human rights principles.
Reiterating its commitment to the people, the army highlighted its legacy of neutrality and integrity, citing historical events such as the democratic transition of 1991. It also reaffirmed that, during the July-August 2024 protests, the army remained impartial, ensuring public safety without external influence.
As the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, Bangladesh has earned global recognition for its professionalism and dedication. The ISPR noted that while peacekeepers receive a small portion of their foreign earnings, the majority—approximately Tk 27,000 crore over 23 years—has significantly contributed to the country's economic growth.
The Bangladesh Army deeply values its partnership with the United Nations Human Rights Commission and remains committed to serving both the nation and the global community.
"Any concerns regarding the army's role are best addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement," the ISPR statement concluded.
