Robert Simon, a French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) on Friday said the fact-finding investigation planned by the UN OHCHR should encompass not only the killings and injuries inflicted on student protesters, reports UNB.
In a statement, he said it should also look into the widespread violence against religious minorities, as well as incidents of injury, arson, looting, vandalism, and political reprisals against members of the former ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League.
A preliminary team of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) is in Dhaka to discuss the process for investigating human rights violations in light of the recent violence and unrest.
The team from the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, led by Chief of the Asia-Pacific section Rory Mungoven, will be visiting Dhaka until August 29 for preliminary discussions with the interim government and other stakeholders.
The UN OHCHR team currently in Dhaka is engaging with the interim government, advisers, ministries, civil society, and a broad section of Bangladesh's society to understand the country's priorities for promoting human rights.
The team is also exploring how the Office of the High Commissioner can assist in fact-finding and investigations, supporting national processes as they move forward.
After his meeting with Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen on Thursday, Rory Mungoven said they are in Dhaka to hold some preliminary discussions and exploratory discussion with the interim government and see how their office can support the interim government and people of Bangladesh at this historic time.
Following the escape of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, the violence escalated into widespread chaos, including looting, arson, and targeted attacks on religious minorities and members of the former ruling party.
Hindus and other minority communities have been particularly vulnerable, suffering from horrific acts including killings, rapes, and the destruction of temples, homes, and businesses, it said.
© 2024 - All Rights with The Financial Express
