To prevent a recurrence of human rights violations similar to those that took place in July-August last year, the government has formed 15 reform commissions.
Six of these commissions have already submitted their reports, which align with the findings of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
Adviser for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Asif Nazrul has stated that the government will work even more closely with the UN Human Rights Office to implement these recommendations.
He made these remarks on Wednesday, March 5, at an event titled "Charting the Path Forward" in Geneva, which focused on human rights violations that occurred during July-August. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk was present at the event.
During the event, journalist David Bergman’s documentary "Jatrabari: An Evidence to Massacre" was screened. Several victims’ families spoke, including Mir Mahmudur Rahman, the brother of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mugdha, who was killed during the July-August uprising, and architect Farhana Sharmin Imu, who provided medical treatment to the injured. Representatives from the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and various international organizations also raised inquiries on different issues.
Asif Nazrul affirmed that the recommendations from the UN Human Rights report will be incorporated into the reform process. He emphasized that Bangladesh’s collaboration with the UN Human Rights Office will not be limited to the preparation of the report but will continue beyond that.
He also stated,
When asked about violence against minorities, the legal adviser responded that some incidents of political violence occurred against individuals associated with the ruling Awami League and its armed groups.
He claimed that these groups had long been involved in oppression, and while some attacks targeted those affiliated with the Awami "fascists," the majority of victims were Muslims, with only a few from minority communities. He rejected the characterization of these incidents as targeted attacks on minorities.
The UN report accurately depicts serious human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and the use of force by supporters of the then-ruling party. Asif Nazrul stressed that the UN’s findings are crucial for ensuring accountability.
In his speech, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk stated that their objective was to uncover the truth. "We believe that former government officials, members of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and extremist supporters of the ruling party systematically engaged in severe human rights violations, including hundreds of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture of women, children, and others," he said.
Türk also shared his personal observations from visiting a hospital in Bangladesh. "I saw firsthand how young people, children, and women were subjected to violence. Many were receiving medical treatment, and some had suffered permanent disabilities," he said.
Regarding the implementation of UN recommendations, he stated, "We are in the final stages of determining how we will work in Bangladesh. We are ready to provide cooperation and technical assistance."
