Nearly 650 People Killed In The Bangladesh Violence: Report

Dhaka/Geneva/Internet/Hyderabad, Aug 17 (Maxim News): Nearly 650 people have been killed in the recent unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 to August 11, the UN Human Rights Office has said in a preliminary report, suggesting a thorough impartial and transparent investigation into reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and detentions.

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According to the 10-page report titled ‘Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh‘, nearly 400 deaths were reported between July 16 to August 4 while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between August 5 and 6, leading to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The available public reports by media and the protest movement itself claimed that between July 16 to August 11, more than 600 people were killed due to the wave of violence following the Anti-Discriminatory Student demonstrations. The number of reported killings in revenge attacks since that time remains to be determined, the report, released on Friday in Geneva, said.

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Several deaths were reported between August 7 to 11, including those who died while undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence, the UNHCR report suggested. Those killed include protesters, bystanders, journalists, and several security forces personnel, it said, adding that thousands of protesters and bystanders were injured, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients.

The report said the reported toll was likely an underestimate as information collection faced a hindrance by restrictions on movement due to the curfew and the internet shutdown. Furthermore, hospitals were reportedly prevented by State authorities from providing details of those killed and injured, the report suggested.

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There were also reports of looting, arson, and attacks on members of religious minorities, as well as reprisals against the revenge killings of members of the former ruling party and police following the resignation of  Hasina on August 5, the report said. On August 15, mobs armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods, and pipes reportedly assaulted the former Prime Minister’s Awami League Party supporters who had gathered to pay their tributes to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman on his death anniversary. 

The UN report emphasized the importance of rapidly restoring law and order, as well as the need for effective measures to prevent further loss of life, violence, and acts of reprisals. “Law Enforcement agencies need to receive clear instructions and training on the use of force, in line with International human rights standards.  They must protect populations at risk against any retaliatory or revenge violence, including minority communities, the report said. (Maxim News)

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