UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
October 30, 2024
Dhaka, Bangladesh – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet on Sunday urged Bangladesh to sustain the “unprecedented” momentum for change in the country, highlighting the need to address long-standing human rights concerns and ensure accountability for past abuses.
Bachelet, who is on a four-day visit to Bangladesh, met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, and other senior government officials. She also met with civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and minority communities.
In a statement issued at the end of her visit, Bachelet commended Bangladesh for its “significant progress” in recent years, including the adoption of a new constitution that guarantees fundamental rights and freedoms. She also praised the government’s efforts to improve access to education, healthcare, and other social services.
However, Bachelet also raised concerns about a number of human rights issues, including the use of excessive force by security forces, arbitrary arrests and detentions, and restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. She also expressed concern about the lack of accountability for past human rights violations, including the killings of thousands of people during the 1971 war of independence.
“I urge the government to build on the unprecedented momentum for change that has been generated in recent years,” Bachelet said. “This means taking concrete steps to address the underlying causes of human rights violations and ensuring that all people in Bangladesh can enjoy their full range of rights.”
Bachelet specifically called on the government to:
- End the use of excessive force by security forces and ensure that those responsible for human rights violations are held accountable.
- Release all political prisoners and drop all charges against them.
- Lift restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly, and ensure that human rights defenders can operate without fear of reprisals.
- Establish an independent and effective mechanism to investigate past human rights violations and ensure that victims and their families receive justice.
Bachelet also urged the government to ratify the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
The government of Bangladesh has welcomed Bachelet’s visit and said that it is committed to addressing the concerns she has raised.
“We are committed to working with the UN and other international partners to build a more just and equitable society for all Bangladeshis,” Prime Minister Hasina said.
Bachelet’s visit comes at a time of political tension in Bangladesh. The country is scheduled to hold general elections in December, and there are concerns about the potential for violence and human rights abuses.
Bachelet urged all political parties to respect the rule of law and engage in peaceful dialogue. She also called on the government to ensure that the elections are free, fair, and transparent.
“Bangladesh has come a long way in recent years, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that all its citizens can enjoy their full range of human rights,” Bachelet said. “I urge the government and all political parties to seize this opportunity to create a more just and equitable society for all.”
UN rights chief urges Bangladesh to sustain ‘unprecedented’ momentum for change
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