United News of Bangladesh

 The government has said it remains committed to “hold accountable” through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage. The government ensured that the due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts, said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in a statement issued on Sunday night. The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians, MoFA said. An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect. In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence. The political leadership remains on guard to ensure that the law enforcement agencies continue to operate within the bounds of law and avert the possibility of excesses or wrongdoings under any circumstances, said the MoFA. In the backdrop of the continued propagation of misinformation and disinformation, especially on the social media, the government made the following points for the attention of the international community. One: There is no scope for associating the mostly peaceful and issue-specific students’ movement with the ensuing terrorist acts perpetrated by the BNP-Jamaat combine against the State; Two: The government reiterates that all acts of killings and terrorist acts would be brought to justice through impartial and objective investigations to identify those responsible irrespective of their affiliations. Three: There has been no single case of ‘shoot-at-sight’ by the security forces in aid of civil power deployed in the aftermath of the terrorist acts; Four: There has been no case of firing from helicopters during the law enforcement operations, other than for surveillance, rescue of stranded law enforcement personnel at certain locations, and facilitating passage for firefighting vehicles during emergencies. Five: There was no otherwise motive behind the inadvertent deployment of one white Armoured-Personnel Carrier (APC) that still had the UN insignia visible through the colour coating used to cover it. While the APC under question was quickly pulled out of service, the other images of law enforcement transports using UN insignia lacked any evidentiary basis. Six: The broadband and mobile internet connectivity has been restored with full functionality by now. Other forms of communications, including land-based and mobile telecommunications, were functional through the entire period of unrest and violence. Seven: It is to be flagged that the print and electronic media continued to operate all along, with exemption allowed for media personnel along with other emergency service providers during curfew hours. “The government has and would continue to uphold the people’s right to freedom of expression and opinions at any cost,” said the MoFA in its statement on the recent situation in Bangladesh.To conclude, it said, the government of Bangladesh would continue to work together with the people in general to come to terms with the unprecedented losses and damages inflicted by the vested qua

Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud is now visiting the Netherlands to attend a number of meetings including a ceremony for handing over documents regarding the Apostille Convention. The Foreign Minister left Dhaka early Sunday as part of his official visit from July 28-30, a senior official told UNB. Minister Hasan is likely to visit Brussels on his way to Dhaka, said the official. On May 20, the Cabinet approved the signing of the Apostille Convention. This international convention will eliminate the need for further authentication of various certificates, documents, and affidavits of Bangladeshis going abroad if they have been duly authenticated in Bangladesh. 14 foreign missions in Dhaka write to FM seeking sustainable solution to current  issue This will save an estimated Tk 500 crore per year, Foreign Minister Hasan said recently. Once implemented, all documents that need to be authenticated for Bangladeshis going abroad, including students, workers, and those travelling to meet family members, will only need to be authenticated in this country. Not all countries have embassies in Bangladesh. There are embassies of 90 countries in Delhi. To get authentication from there, one needs to obtain an Indian visa. "The money, time, and effort spent on all these will be saved if we join this convention, and we will save Tk 400 to Tk 500 crore per year," said Hasan. The Netherlands is a member of the Apostille Convention. The member countries legalise foreign documents by adding a stamp or sticker called an ‘apostille’. It shows that the signature on the document is genuine. The Apostille Convention applies to: • documents from judicial authorities (for example the Public Prosecution Service (OM), a clerk of the court or a bailiff) • administrative documents, like certificates, diplomas or civil status records • notarial deeds • official certificates placed on private documents, like declarations about the existence or official registration of a document on a certain date.

The government has assured all international partners that the overall situation is turning back to normalcy thanks to the timely and appropriate measures taken by the government and the people. “The government remains thankful to the international community for their overwhelming support and understanding, especially against the backdrop of the wide circulation of propaganda, misinformation and disinformation,” said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement on the recent situation in Bangladesh. The exact human toll during the recent violence and terrorist acts is becoming evident as the government assesses the tragic loss of lives, casualties and damages to public properties, it said. Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan on Sunday stated that the death toll reached 147 as per available information. The government is reaching out to the families of the deceased, with assurance from the Prime Minister herself to ensure justice for their losses. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is personally monitoring the treatment and rehabilitation of those injured and has also assured of livelihood opportunities for the family members of the deceased. The government of Bangladesh has taken note of the concerns expressed by some international partners, including civil society organisations and media, over the recent incidents of violence and terrorist acts in Bangladesh, MoFA said. “In this connection, the government looks forward to engaging constructively with international partners in pursuance of its efforts to build a peaceful, just and inclusive society that offers the opportunity for the youth to have its voices heard and realize its potentials in a safe and secure environment,” MoFA said. The government remains sensitized to the need for addressing the trauma suffered by the victims and their families. “It is by now evident that a vested quarter led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami and their student wings (i.e. Islami Chhatra Shibir) appropriated the largely peaceful quota reform movement by a section of the university students to unleash a reign of terror, anarchy and mayhem,” MoFA said. They also enlisted the support of some violent extremist groups and managed to take over the students’ movement for their recurrent ploy to overthrow a democratically-elected government by disrupting public life and grounding the economy to a halt. The same vested quarter now continues with its disinformation campaign, both locally and internationally, to project the lawful measures and responses by the security and law enforcement agencies against their terrorist activities as “crackdown on student protests,” MoFA said. Such distorted projection gained ground even when the concerned student leaders of the quota reform movement made a public announcement distancing themselves from the BNP-Jamaat-led terrorist activities. The government urged the international community not to conflate the issue-specific students’ movement with the subsequent terrorist activities that necessitated the legally-mandated deployment of armed forces in aid of civil power and imposition of curfew for specific locations during specified hours to save people’s lives and properties. In fact, MoFA said, the students’ protests had continued peacefully for several weeks in the aftermath of a High Court Division judgment of 5 June 2024 reinstating the public service quota system that the government itself had abolished in 2018 in response to a previous round of students’ movement. At the clear instruction of the government, the concerned university authorities and law enforcement agencies ensured that the protesting students could fully exercise their right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression this time as well. The government also facilitated appropriate arrangements for the students to deliver a Protest Memo to the President during this period. The government made it clear from the outset that its own position on the question of quota reform was mostly aligned with that of the student protesters. It also filed an appeal before the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court for annulment of the High Court Division judgement, and assured the students of appropriate action once the Appellate Division delivered its judgement on the matter. Subsequently, the Prime Minister assigned a Ministerial Committee to meet with the coordinators of the student movement to discuss their demands. Accordingly, based on the directives given by the Appellate Division through its judgment of 21 July 2024, the Government Gazette on the reformed quota system was issued on 23 July 2024. The reformed quota system went beyond the initial demands of the protesting students and thus duly addressed the underlying cause of their movement. Regrettably, however, despite repeated assurances of appropriate measures by the Honourable Prime Minister through a televised address on 17 July 2024, the BNP-Jamaat combine instigated unrest and violence among a section of the student community by provoking inflammatory rhetoric and slogans, including by distorting the Prime Minister’s words at a Press Conference (on 14 July 2024), MoFA said. The situation soon spiralled out of control of the protesting students, and led to unprecedented levels of violence, anarchy and brutalities that can only be termed as terrorist activities. These resulted in the most tragic and egregious loss of a number of civilian lives, including some young people and minors. It has now surfaced that the perpetrators of the terror attacks were given assurance of “bounty” for killing law enforcement personnel and ruling party affiliates, the statement said.   There were calculated attacks against a number of Key Point Installations and other public properties, notably metro rail stations and elevated expressway; public health facilities; disaster management office; national broadcasting facility like Bangladesh Television headquarters; firefighting vehicles, and digital connectivity including national data center, central broadband infrastructure and optical fibre networks. The targeted breaching of a high-security prison and setting free nine convicted militants were part of an attempt to roll back the decade-long gains in containing terrorism and violent extremism. The government remains committed to hold accountable through proper investigation all those responsible for each incident of death among students and the ensuing terrorist acts involving killings, arson, vandalism, subversion and sabotage. An Inquiry Commission led by a Judge of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court, constituted on 18 July 2024, has already started working to this effect. In addition, a number of relevant departmental inquiries are also being conducted to ascertain responsibilities for the corresponding acts of killings and violence, including any case of negligence. The government ensures that the due process of law would be followed in ensuring accountability and justice for the reported terrorist acts. The law enforcement agencies are under clear instruction to bring to justice individuals on the basis of evidentiary proof of their involvement in the alleged terrorist acts, without any form of reprisal or harassment against the protesting students and innocent civilians. The political leadership remains on guard to ensure that the law enforcement agencies continue to operate within the bounds of law and avert the possibility of excesses or wrongdoings under any circumstances. Against the backdrop of the continued propagation of misinformation and disinformation, especially on the social media, the government has made the following points for the attention of the international community. One: There is no scope for associating the mostly peaceful and issue-specific students’ movement with the ensuring terrorist acts perpetrated by the BNP-Jamaat combine against the State. Two: The government reiterates that all acts of killings and terrorist acts would be brought to justice through impartial and objective investigations to identify those responsible irrespective of their affiliations. Three: There has been no single case of “shoot-at-sight” by the security forces in aid of civil power deployed in the aftermath of the terrorist acts.  Four: There has been no case of firing from helicopters during the law enforcement operations, other than for surveillance, rescue of stranded law enforcement personnel at certain locations, and facilitating passage for firefighting vehicles during emergencies. Five: There was no otherwise motive behind the inadvertent deployment of one white Anti-Personnel Carrier that still had the UN insignia visible through the colour coating used to cover it. While the APC under question was quickly pulled out of service, the other images of law enforcement transports using UN insignia lacked any evidentiary basis. Six: The broadband and mobile internet connectivity has been restored with full functionality by now. Other forms of communications, including land-based and mobile telecommunications, were functional through the entire period of unrest and violence. Seven: It is to be flagged that the print and electronic media continued to operate all along, with exemption allowed for media personnel along with other emergency service providers during curfew hours. The government has and would continue to uphold the people’s right to freedom of expression and opinions at any cost. To conclude, MoFA said, the government of Bangladesh would continue to work together with the people in general to come to terms with the unprecedented losses and damages inflicted by the vested quarters.

Though a number of countries separately expressed their concern over the recent violence in Bangladesh, 14 foreign missions stationed in Dhaka have jointly written to Foreign Minister Hasan Mahmud seeking a sustainable solution to the issue to ensure a lasting peace in the country. A diplomat confirmed UNB about sending such a letter to the Foreign Minister as friends of Bangladesh. He, however, did not share the contents of the letter. The joint letter was sent to the foreign minister on Wednesday which was issued by the missions of the European Union, United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, Canada, Switzerland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway and Australia. The issues like loss of life, destruction of properties, protection of human rights, and importance of following due legal process were highlighted in the letter, said a diplomatic source. Earlier, the EU in a statement recently, expressed deep concern by the violence and tragic loss of life that has occurred in the context of the protests in Bangladesh. It is vital that further violence is averted and that a peaceful resolution to the situation is found as swiftly as possible, underpinned by the rule of law and democratic freedoms, the EU said. The UK also expressed deep concern, saying the loss of life is unacceptable. 3 quota coordinators taken into custody for their own security: Home Minister Canada, in its recent statement, said they are shocked by the violence suffered by the people of Bangladesh during the students protests. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their family and all those impacted as we advocate for a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights," it said. The justice system must ensure due process for all those arrested and hold accountable those responsible for these tragic events, according to the statement issued by the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka. Meanwhile, the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs issued a statement regarding the recent student protests in Bangladesh. "France calls on everyone to remain calm, exercise restraint, and engage in dialogue to avoid any further violence in the country," said the statement. DB Chief: Nur received Tk 4 lakh from a political leader during quota protests Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has recently said he is shocked to see the damaged areas in Dhaka and described the damage in Dhaka metro rail station utterly heartbreaking. "I am shocked to observe the damaged areas in Dhaka on July 24. As Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, I am especially saddened by the severe damage of Dhaka MRT. I find this utterly heartbreaking," he said, sharing his personal observation after visiting the MRT Dhaka. The situation in the country is now peaceful with further relaxation of curfew and reopening of public and private offices. 2536 people arrested in Dhaka in 15 days over quota protests: DMP

India has deeply appreciated "excellent cooperation" received from the government of Bangladesh, noting that over 6700 Indian students returned home safely. "So far, we have had over 6700 Indian students who have come back from Bangladesh. We have received excellent cooperation from the Bangladeshi Government," Spokesperson at the Indian Ministry of External Affairs Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi on Thursday. With the support and cooperation of the Bangladesh government, the MEA spokesperson said they were able to arrange for safe returns of their students, which they "deeply" appreciate. He said that with Bangladesh, their ties are strong, warm, and very friendly. "And that is how we look at our relations with that country." He said their high commission has arranged for their safe and secure travel to the border crossing points or to the airport. "They also have several helplines, both our High Commission and our Assistant High Commissions. They are operating 24x7 helplines and all the people who are there, our students and our nationals, they can reach out to them and they have been rendering whatever assistance that has been requested for," said the spokesperson. He said they also feel that being a close neighbour with whom they share very warm and friendly ties. "We are hopeful that the situation in the country would return to normal soon." India has been "closely following" the developments in Bangladesh, and India considers the ongoing situation in the country to be an "internal matter" of Bangladesh.

Canada has called for internet services to be "fully restored without delay" to allow people to access critical information and connect with their loved ones in Canada and worldwide. "Upholding the freedoms of speech and assembly is crucial," said the Canadian High Commission in Dhaka in a statement on Thursday night. The justice system must ensure due process for all those arrested and hold accountable those responsible for these tragic events, said the Canadian statement shared by the High Commission. "We will continue monitoring the situation in Bangladesh," said the High Commission, adding that they are shocked by the violence suffered by the people of Bangladesh this past week during the students' protests. "Our thoughts are with the victims and their family and all those impacted as we advocate for a peaceful resolution and respect for human rights," the statement reads.

A group of UN experts on Thursday said the government of Bangladesh needs to fully restore the Internet and access to social media immediately and ensure that local and foreign media are granted full access to report on the developments without being attacked, threatened or pressured. “The State must uphold people’s right to information. Total transparency and accuracy on the numbers of those detained, forcibly disappeared, killed or subjected to other human rights violations, as well as careful preservation of evidence is essential to ensuring accountability and restoring public trust,” the experts said. They warned that while a recent decision by the courts to scale back the controversial quota system was an important step in the right direction, it will not be sufficient to restore the people’s trust and confidence in the government. “To regain public trust, the Government needs to take responsibility and ensure a credible process of investigation and accountability to hold perpetrators to account,” the experts said. They are in contact with the Government of Bangladesh on this matter. The experts are Cecilia Bailliet, Independent Expert on human rights and international solidarity, George Katrougalos, Independent expert on the promotion of a democratic and equitable international order, Morris Tidball-Binz, Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, Margaret Satterthwaite, Special Rapporteur on the independence of judges and lawyers, Irene Khan, Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression, Surya Deva, Special Rapporteur on the right to development, Farida Shaheed, Special Rapporteur on the right to education, Gina Romero, Special Rapporteur on the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and of association, Mary Lawlor, Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders, Aua Baldé (Chair-Rapporteur), Gabriella Citroni (Vice-Chair), Grażyna Baranowska, and Ana Lorena Delgadillo Pérez, Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances.On July 18, 2024 the authorities shut down broadband and mobile Internet, preventing access to websites, social media and web-based mobile phone communications. This measure drastically restricted news coverage and access to information, said the UN experts. Mobile phone communication has also been disrupted, effectively cutting off the country from the outside world. Broadband Internet was restored in select areas on 23 July. “Prompt, thorough, independent and impartial investigations in line with internationally recognised standards must be carried out into all human rights violations,” the experts said.

The outgoing Ambassador of the European Union to Bangladesh, Charles Whiteley, expressed his hopes that the recent death and destruction, including the loss of innocent lives, will lead to a renewal of Bangladesh's founding values and justice for the victims. As Ambassador Whiteley prepared to leave Dhaka upon the completion of his tenure, he shared his reflections and hopes through his social media handle.

Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Iwama Kiminori has said he is shocked to see the damaged areas in Dhaka and described the damage in Dhaka metro rail station utterly heartbreaking. "I am shocked to observe the damaged areas in Dhaka on July 24. As Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, I am especially saddened by the severe damage of Dhaka MRT. I find this utterly heartbreaking," he said, sharing his personal observation after visiting the MRT Dhaka. The Ambassador said the damage reminds him that all the related people, both Japanese and Bangladeshi, who constructed and operated with sweat and tears for the urban transport network here in Bangladesh for a long time. "Furthermore, I can never forget the smile of the commuters and passengers who I passed by on the train of MRT. It is, therefore, regrettable that the operation is suspended by the vandalism for the time being," said the Japanese envoy. Ambassador Iwama conveyed his condolences and heartfelt sympathies to the victims of the violent clashes between protesters and law enforcement officers in Bangladesh, as well as to the bereaved families and friends and those who have injured. He believes that despite this destruction by some people, the majority of the citizens of Bangladesh support their assistance, including Dhaka MRT. "I will continue to work with the people of Bangladesh for the development of this country, including the recovery of the damaged facilities," said the Ambassador. He hoped that the situation would be settled in a peaceful manner without further deterioration and that the people in Bangladesh, including students, would be able to return to their daily lives with smiles as soon as possible.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday said his office stands ready to support the government of Bangladesh to conduct an impartial, independent and transparent investigation into all alleged human rights violations. He said the authorities must also provide guarantees of non-recurrence and an assurance there will be no reprisals against those involved in the protests. Longer-term, comprehensive security sector reform is also important to prevent future abuses and safeguard the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. Türk in a statement said that he hoped the Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday to substantially narrow the quota system for government jobs - a system that had set off last week’s protests - may open space for confidence-building, leading to meaningful and inclusive dialogue to address underlying issues and grievances. He appealed to all political actors to avoid any statements or actions that could constitute incitement to violence or lead to a further crackdown on dissent. It is vitally important that the government rebuilds public trust and creates an environment conducive to public dialogue on the underlying issues that led to this wave of violence, he said. “Today, I am calling on the Bangladesh Government urgently to disclose full details about last week’s crackdown on protests amid growing accounts of horrific violence," he said. Latest reports indicate that more than 170 people have been killed and over a thousand injured - some of whom were denied medical care - and many are missing following protests by students and youth movements against government policies, he claimed. At least two journalists have been reportedly killed and scores of others injured. Hundreds of people have also been arrested, including opposition figures. "It is imperative that the government provides the details of those killed, injured, or detained for the benefit of their families," said the UN rights chief. The government must also restore, without delay, full Internet access to allow all people, including journalists and media outlets, to communicate freely and in line with international law, he said. Critically, the UN rights chief said, it must ensure law enforcement agencies operate in line with international human rights norms and standards, particularly with respect to policing protests.