Chief Advisor (CA) Muhammad Yunus says the interim government is committed to upholding human rights and freedom of speech in Bangladesh, reports bdnews24.com.
His remarks came during a meeting with senior officials of several top human rights groups in New York on Wednesday.
Justice and accountability for the atrocities during the July-August movement were discussed, as well as human rights abuses during Sheikh Hasina's 15 years in power, according to the state news agency BSS.
Yunus highlighted how civil liberties and human rights were denied under the Awami League's rule. He also spoke of the formation of several commissions to carry out reforms and institutional change in Bangladesh.
The chief advisor said the government would uphold freedom of speech and welcome any criticism of its activities.
"This government isn't bothered by any criticism. In fact, we are inviting criticism," he said, adding the government "won't restrict any voices" in the country.
"Human rights officials stressed the need for more investigations into some 3,000 extrajudicial killings carried out during the dictatorship."
"They also called for security sector reforms, repeal of the cyber security act and unfettered access to justice and ensure accountability of activities of the detention centres where the victims of the enforced disappearances were kept during Sheikh Hasina's autocratic rule," the statement said.
The delegation of human rights officials was led by Kerry Kennedy, president of the Robert F Kennedy Human Rights organisation. Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard also attended.
The new interim government should send 'a powerful message demonstrating that this is a new Bangladesh', Callamard said.
Interim govt committed to upholding human rights, freedom of speech: CA
FE Team | Published: September 27, 2024 00:20:00
Interim govt committed to upholding human rights, freedom of speech: CA
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