United News of Bangladesh

On the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has said the global community must hold Bangladesh accountable and protect the rights of its citizens. Chief Adviser of JMBF Robert Simon emphasised the importance of global cooperation in addressing this crisis. "Enforced disappearances are an affront to humanity. We must collaborate internationally to ensure that every missing person is found and that those responsible for these crimes are brought to justice,” Simon said in a statement issued from Paris on Friday. JMBF stands in unwavering solidarity with the victims and families affected by enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. It said this day serves as a crucial reminder of the need to protect the fundamental rights of all citizens and to ensure justice for those who have been forcibly taken from their families. Enforced disappearances in Bangladesh remain a severe issue, leaving countless families in distress and uncertainty, JMBF said, adding that they are committed to advocating for the rights of these victims, ensuring they receive the justice and rehabilitation they deserve. Founder President of JMBF Advocate Shahanur Islam stressed the urgency of accountability and support for the affected families. "In Bangladesh, families live in constant agony, unaware of the fate of their loved ones. It is our collective responsibility to provide these families with the necessary psychological, legal, and financial support. We must also advocate for robust legal frameworks in Bangladesh to prevent such tragedies and to hold those responsible fully accountable." JMBF urged the government of Bangladesh to take immediate and decisive action to end enforced disappearances, secure justice for victims and their families, and restore the rule of law in the country. Key Points of JMBF's Call to Action: Protection from Disappearances: Urging the enactment and implementation of strong legal frameworks and proactive measures to prevent enforced disappearances and protect every citizen. Justice and Rehabilitation: Ensuring victims and their families receive appropriate rehabilitation, including psychological, legal, and financial support, while holding perpetrators accountable through transparent legal processes. Prompt Tracing and Return: Strengthening efforts to swiftly locate missing persons, return them to their families, and provide comprehensive support during these challenging times. Accountability: Identifying and punishing those responsible for enforced disappearances, ensuring that such actions do not go unpunished, and setting a precedent to prevent future occurrences. We also call upon the international community to remain vigilant and to continue pressing for accountability in Bangladesh. On this day, JMBF honors the victims of enforced disappearances and reaffirms its commitment to fighting for justice, truth, and the protection of human rights for all.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has received an official invitation from Bangladesh interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from July 1 to August 15. Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani confirmed it on Friday. The Office will deploy a fact-finding team to Bangladesh in the coming weeks, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and, and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms, she said. Issue of enforced disappearances has a long, painful history in Bangladesh: UN rights body The team received commitments from the Interim Government and security forces for full cooperation in this work. Earlier, the International Crimes Strategy Forum (ICSF) urged the UN rights body to investigate events which took place both before and after August 5. The ICSF has written a letter to UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk seeking his initiative in this regard. "Given the UN's intention to help Bangladesh with the transition, we believe that the investigations should look into the events which took place both before and after August 5. We learnt from media reports that the Law Advisor of the Interim Government Dr Asif Nazrul wants the UN to look into events only up to August 5, 2024," the letter reads. An advance team has been in Bangladesh over the last week (from August 22-29) meeting with student leaders of the recent protests, many of whom have been detained or injured in recent weeks. 2 million children at risk as worst floods hit Bangladesh: UNICEF The team also had meetings with a wide range of advisors in the Interim Government, the Chief Justice, senior officers of the police and armed forces, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, representatives of political parties, and minority and indigenous communities. In its meetings, the team discussed the modalities for an investigation into human rights violations and abuses in the context of the recent violence and unrest, as requested by the Interim Government. It also discussed wider areas – including civic space, the need for truth, justice, healing, reparation and reconciliation, and other human rights approaches to the reform process – in which our Office could provide sustained support, Shamdasani said.

The United Nations has said the issue of enforced disappearances has a long and painful history in Bangladesh, on which the UN Human Rights Office and UN human rights mechanisms have advocated robustly. "We stand ready to support the Commission in its work, which should be in close consultation with victims and their families and in line with international human rights standards, including the guiding principles for the search for disappeared persons," Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Ravina Shamdasani said on Friday. The UN Human Rights Office looks forward to supporting the Interim government and people of Bangladesh at this pivotal moment to revitalise democracy, seek accountability and reconciliation, and advance human rights for all the people in Bangladesh. The High Commissioner for Human Rights warmly welcomed the announcement of Bangladesh’s accession to the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance, and the establishment of a five-member national commission of inquiry to determine the whereabouts of individuals forcibly disappeared allegedly by law enforcement agencies Earlier, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk received an official invitation from the Chief Advisor, Prof Muhammad Yunus, to conduct an impartial and independent fact-finding mission into human rights violations committed from 1 July to 15 August. The Office will deploy a fact-finding team to Bangladesh in the coming weeks, with a view to reporting on violations and abuses perpetrated during the protests, analysing root causes and, and making recommendations to advance justice and accountability and for longer-term reforms, said the Spokesperson. The team received commitments from the Interim Government and security forces for full cooperation in this work. An advance team has been in the country over the last week (from 22-29 August) meeting with student leaders of the recent protests, many of whom have been detained or injured in recent weeks, as well as a wide range of advisors in the Interim Government, the Chief Justice, senior officers of the police and armed forces, lawyers, journalists and human rights defenders, representatives of political parties, and minority and indigenous communities. In its meetings, the team discussed the modalities for an investigation into human rights violations and abuses in the context of the recent violence and unrest, as requested by the Interim Government. It also discussed wider areas – including civic space, the need for truth, justice, healing, reparation and reconciliation, and other human rights approaches to the reform process – in which their Office could provide sustained support, said the Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Over two million children in eastern Bangladesh are at risk as floods sweep through homes, schools and villages, UNICEF has warned. In all, these floods, the worst in eastern Bangladesh in 34 years, have affected 5.6 million people. Major rivers in the southeast are overflowing due to unprecedented monsoon rains. As a result, more than 52 people have been reported dead. Over 500,000 people are seeking shelter, after rising waters from swollen rivers submerged homes, streets and fields in Chattogram and Sylhet Divisions. Millions of children and families are stranded without food and emergency relief supplies. Government personnel and volunteers are conducting rescue operations, though access remains difficult in some areas. In the coming days, more people will be affected as the monsoon season continues. “The devastating floods in the eastern parts of Bangladesh are a tragic reminder of the relentless impact of extreme weather events and the climate crisis on children. Far too many children have lost loved ones, their homes, schools, and now are completely destitute,” said Emma Brigham, Deputy Representative of UNICEF Bangladesh. “UNICEF is on the frontlines providing water purification tablets, oral rehydration salts and other essential supplies, but more funds are needed to reach these children and prevent an even more devastating impact on their futures.” UNICEF has been on the ground since the onset of the disaster. Having joined an initial assessment mission with the Advisor to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Hasan Arif, UNICEF with its partners has reached over 338,000 people, including 130,000 children, with life-saving supplies such as 3.6 million water purification tablets, 25,000 jerry-cans to store water and over 250,000 oral rehydration salt sachets. But much more is needed. People and children urgently require cash assistance, safe drinking water, hygiene kits, emergency latrines, sanitary pads, oral rehydration salts and emergency life-saving medicines. Primary healthcare services to treat sick newborns and children and help pregnant women to give birth must be restored immediately. The recent floods come close on the heels of the floods in north Bangladesh and Cyclone Remal in May. Jointly, the three emergencies have impacted over 13 million people across Bangladesh, including 5 million children. In response to these three emergencies, UNICEF urgently requires up to US$35.3 million for critical, life-saving, and multi-sectoral interventions for children, as well as pregnant and lactating women. Climate change increases the frequency, severity and unpredictability of cyclones, floods and other extreme weather events affecting Bangladesh, underscoring that the climate crisis is fundamentally a child rights crisis. According to the UNICEF Children’s Climate Risk Index, children in Bangladesh are the most exposed in the world to climate and environmental hazards. Globally, UNICEF addresses the climate crisis to: a) protect the lives, health and well-being of children; b) empower every child to become a champion for the environment; and c) reduce the emissions and environmental footprint. “Year on year, the lives of millions of children in Bangladesh are being ravaged by floods, heatwaves and cyclones. Climate change is clearly changing children’s lives,” adds Brigham. “We call on global leaders to act urgently, and take strong measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, before it is too late for children.”

Pakistan Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif had a telephone conversation with Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday and emphasised the need to revitalise relations between the two nations. "There remains immense potential in expanding bilateral trade and economic cooperation," Pakistan Prime Minister told Prof Yunus, congratulating him on his assumption of the leadership of the Interim Government of Bangladesh. The Pakistan PM expressed his best wishes to the chief adviser and hoped that the goodwill between the two South Asian countries would be translated into substantial cooperation for the benefit of their peoples. Prof Yunus thanked Sharif for the phone call and the congratulatory message received from him following his swearing-in as the Bangladesh chief adviser after a student-led revolution. The chief adviser also thanked the Pakistan prime minister for sending a message conveying sympathy and solidarity of the people of Pakistan for the flood victims of Bangladesh. Sharif expressed his willingness to provide support to the people affected by the floods in southern and southeastern parts of Bangladesh. He underscored the necessity to resume mechanisms like foreign secretary-level consultations and the Joint Economic Commission between Dhaka and Islamabad. He also stressed the need to reinvigorate the SAARC process. The chief adviser said he is committed to revitalising SAARC as a top regional forum to boost ties among the South Asian nations. He highlighted the necessity of holding regular SAARC summits and stressed holding even a brief meeting among the heads of state and governments of the SAARC states at the earliest convenience. Prof Yunus also called for strengthening economic ties and people-to-people connections between the two nations.

Referring to changes in Bangladesh, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar on Friday said they will deal with the government of the day. "It is natural that we will deal with the government of the day," he said. He said they have to recognise that there are political changes, and political changes can be disruptive. "And clearly here, we have to look for mutuality of interest," Jaishankar said. He spoke at the Book release of "Strategic Conundrums: Reshaping India’s Foreign Policy authored by Rajiv Sikri. Jaishankar said everyone is aware that since Bangladesh's independencr, the relationship between the two countries have gone up and down.

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) President Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman has said a “comprehensive and forward-thinking security agenda” is crucial to effectively address these challenges that Bangladesh faces now. He said Bangladesh stands at a critical juncture in its political and social history and the interim government faces unique challenges in maintaining national security during this period. “Politically, as it transitions from fascism to an aspirational democratic order, the interim government must play a pivotal role to ensure a smooth and peaceful transition to democracy,” Muniruzzaman said while addressing a roundtable on “Bangladesh 2.0: A New Security Agenda for The Interim Government” on Thursday. He added that one of the first tasks that needs to be undertaken is comprehensive security sector reform which will include the military, the intelligence services, and the police. Maj Gen (Retd) Md Shahidul Haque, former Defense Attache to Myanmar & Former Ambassador to Libya; Shafqat Munir, Senior Research Fellow, BIPSS; and Brig Gen (Retd) Shahedul Anam Khan, former Associate Editor and Editor of Defense & Strategic Affairs, The Daily Star, were the speakers who shared their knowledge regarding the discussion topic. Shahidul Haque shared his viewpoints on the security threats faced by Bangladesh as well as gave his views on what policies the interim government should adopt with regards to the issue. He explicitly stated that Bangladesh needs to implement a policy that dictates how to communicate with non-state actors such as the Arakan Army which controls the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and trade routes. Shahidul Haque also talked about how Bangladesh should handle the Myanmar crisis through a geo-strategic lens and not be biased with regards to the Rohingya refugees. He discussed how the interim government should constantly keep Bangladesh’s sovereignty and national interest in mind while negotiating with all countries. Shafqat Munir emphasized the need for a full-time National Security Advisor (NSA) and a fully empowered national security coordination secretariat. He also stated that such a secretariat needs to have domain and subject matter experts. Munir highlighted the need to address new and emerging threats such as cyber security, climate security, and a continued focus on countering terrorism and violent extremism. He urged that it is now high time to review Bangladesh’s security threats and challenges and formulate a national security strategy. He stated that the aspirations of the “Monsoon Revolution” will not be fully realized unless Bangladesh has a rejuvenated security agenda. He called attention to the worldwide support Bangladesh 2.0 has garnered. Munir emphasised the need for greater politico-military coordination especially at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in view of Bangladesh’s widespread overseas operations especially peacekeeping operations. He also talked about revamping and revitalizing military education and training in Bangladesh. Munir also reiterated the need for complete depoliticisation of the Security sector. In his own remarks, Shahedul Anam Khan first asked the audience why the revolution needed to happen. He highlighted the need to first identify security threats, both internal and external before talking about a security agenda. He said, “Unless the people of Bangladesh are secured, the nation cannot be". Emphasizing the people’s security over all else, he passionately mentioned how without good governance, security cannot be maintained. He added that the Hasina regime had none of the characteristics of good governance. Brig Gen Anam then went on to say that the elected representatives of our country are servants, not masters and that they must govern and not rule. He underlined that the security forces and intelligence services had been misused and politicised and there must be complete de-politization stressing that the fault lies not with the agencies but with the corrupt politicians of the Hasina regime who have misused them for their own gains. Lt Gen Abdul Hafiz (Retd), special assistant to the Chief Advisor of the interim government of Bangladesh for Defence and National Solidarity was present at the roundtable and shared his valuable thoughts on the subject. Moderator Muniruzzaman stressed on the need to revitalise parliamentary oversight on defence and security. He particularly stressed the need for democratic oversight of the country’s intelligence services so that never again we revisit the horrors of the past such as Aynaghor. He also mentioned that the Bangladesh armed forces must prepare for the new and emerging threats such as hybrid warfare and capacities to fight in the ‘grey zone’. He also emphasised the need for modernisation of armed forces. During the interactive session, issues like the future of the Rohingya people, border security, importance of defense and security strategies, how we will deal with the enormous debt the nation has accrued, etc. were raised and discussed. Former Chief of the Army Staff, ambassadors, senior diplomats, representatives of various ministries and government agencies, members of civil society, media personnel and academics as well as several coordinators of the Student against Discrimination movement among others were present.

The contract-based appointments of two Bangladeshi ministers (press) in the United Kingdom and the United States have been terminated. A notification issued by the Ministry of Public Administration on Thursday confirmed the cancellation of contracts for Md Ashequn Nabi Chowdhury, minister (press) of the Press Wing at the Bangladesh High Commission in London, UK, and AZM Sajjad Hossain, minister (press) of the Press Wing at the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, USA. Ashequn Nabi was the longest-serving Minister (Press) at the Bangladesh High Commission in London. His contract was renewed three times: in September 2020, November 2022, and March 2024. His existing contract was supposed to end on March 31, 2025.

Bangladesh Ambassador to the Netherlands, Tareque Muhammad, presented his letter of credence to King Willem-Alexander at a formal ceremony held at Noordeinde Palace in The Hague on Wednesday. During their meeting, the king expressed his satisfaction with the growing bilateral relations between the Netherlands and Bangladesh, noting the continuous and expanding engagements between the two nations. He voiced hope that the interim government in Bangladesh would swiftly restore normalcy and complete the transition through upcoming elections. Ambassador Tareque highlighted the priorities of the interim government, which included establishing security and a stable environment, initiating reforms, and organising elections. The King also mentioned Queen Máxima's personal acquaintance with Nobel Laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, given her role as the UN Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Inclusive Finance for Development since 2009. Further, the King emphasized the strong synergetic relations between the Netherlands and Bangladesh, particularly in flood management and post-flood rehabilitation. The Ambassador expressed gratitude for the Netherlands' cooperation in Bangladesh's socio-economic development and informed the King of the robust investment opportunities available in the country, supported by sound policies aimed at developing a strong private sector. In conclusion, King Willem-Alexander expressed his desire to strengthen bilateral ties across various fields and assured the Ambassador of the Netherlands' readiness to provide all possible support in this regard.

Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Thursday said Bangladesh's interim government should seek expertise and technical assistance from the United Nations for its new commission of inquiry investigating all cases of enforced disappearances during the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina. The interim administration, led by the Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has announced a five-member team headed by a retired judge, which includes another former judge, a university teacher, and two human rights activists. The government has also made a commitment to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearances, a landmark move after years of refusals by the previous government to recognize enforced disappearances. It has also agreed to support a UN fact-finding team in investigating abuses during recent protests, which earlier in August 2024 led Sheikh Hasina to resign as prime minister and flee the country. “With this commission of inquiry, Bangladesh has an opportunity to pursue justice for the victims of enforced disappearances and their families, many of whom have desperately sought answers, only to be dismissed, threatened, and humiliated by officials,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The government should seize the opportunity to create a robust process with international expertise, including forensics, to investigate these abuses and identify avenues for reparations in collaboration with victims and their families.” Odhikar, a prominent Bangladeshi human rights organization, estimates that 708 people were forcibly disappeared under Hasina’s rule. While some people were later released, produced in court, or said to have died during an armed exchange with security forces, nearly 100 people remain missing. The commission of inquiry should investigate every case, regardless of whether the person was returned, killed, or remains missing. It should be additionally mandated with identifying all clandestine detention centers, and the interim government should immediately shut them down and release anyone still being held in incommunicado custody. The commission should have the authority to make recommendations regarding the prosecution of suspects, reparations to victims and their families, the enactment of specific legislation, and institutional and other reforms that would prevent repetition of past violations. The newly formed commission has said it would submit a report within 45 days. To effectively carry out its mandate, the commission should be adequately resourced and authorized to obtain all information necessary, including to compel the attendance and cooperation of state officials and law enforcement as witnesses and to order the government, police, and other officials to produce records. The commission should establish a variety of means through which to submit evidence so that the process is accessible and all interested parties have an opportunity to participate. Given the entrenched impunity for security force abuses in Bangladesh, the interim government should request the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and other UN human rights experts to provide technical support and monitoring of the investigation. The investigators should also work closely with Maayer Daak (“Mothers’Call”) and other organizations representing victims and their families. Throughout the inquiry, the commission should collect views from victims about what forms of reparation would serve to meaningfully recognize the harm suffered, in addition to bringing those responsible to justice. The commission should recommend the full range of reparations required by international standards, including restitution, compensation, rehabilitation, satisfaction, and guarantees of non-repetition. The interim government should make a commitment to ensuring effective reparations, including carrying out Maayer Daak’s call for the creation of a memorial to commemorate victims of enforced disappearances and the suffering of their families, and to stand against the commission of disappearances in the future. The report’s conclusions and recommendations should be made public and accessible and should require periodic updates on implementation. Evidence collected by the commission should be preserved and made available for judicial and other official investigations in Bangladesh and elsewhere, and the commission should identify an independent entity to safely hold the records following the completion of investigations. Three victims of enforced disappearances – Michael Chakma, Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, and Abdullahil Amaan Azmi – were released shortly after Hasina fled the country. In all three cases, authorities had for years denied having them in custody. Speaking to the media, Chakma described severe torture while he was detained underground in a secret detention site called Aynaghar (house of mirrors) run by the military intelligence agency. Since he was released, he has had difficulties walking and reading and suffers from nightmares. Both Quasem and Chakma said they were confined alone in near-constant darkness but could hear others being tortured, indicating that others may still be held in the secret detention center. “The only sounds were the incessant whirring of fans and the muffled cries of fellow detainees from nearby cells. I couldn’t see how many of us there were, but the sounds of weeping and despair gave me a sense of the numbers,” Chakma said. The commission’s mandate should include investigations into the torture and other ill-treatment that victims experienced, Human Rights Watch said. The government should ensure that individuals found in the commisssion’s investigation as having participated in violations are investigated and brought to justice. Yunus should facilitate a visit by the UN Working Group on Enforced and Involuntary Disappearances and the UN special rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions and seek their recommendations and input. On August 16, the UN high commissioner for human rights, Volker Türk, called on the government to open a “comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred” and to release all victims of enforced disappearances. The commissioner also identified the need for an independent investigation into abuses, including enforced disappearances, in a report it released following the recent protests. Under Hasina, the government consistently denied that security forces had committed enforced disappearances, insisting that those missing had gone into hiding of their own volition. Relatives of victims of enforced disappearance have suffered harassment and reprisals at the hands of the authorities, with some forced to sign false statements that they had been intentionally misleading the police and the public. In the meantime, the commission of inquiry should take special precaution to ensure all witnesses are protected from harassment, threats, intimidation, and retaliation. As part of efforts to ensure abuses are not repeated, the interim government should reform institutions to enable civilian oversight over security forces and immediately disband the Rapid Action Battalion, a notoriously abusive paramilitary unit that was sanctioned by the United States government in 2021 for human right abuses, particularly enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. “Pursuing accountability for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh and informing the families of victims of what happened to their loved ones is an important first step in building toward a rights-respecting future,” Ganguly said. “Yunus should call on the UN to ensure that Bangladesh’s new commission is well-resourced and has the power to gather all the information required to bring answers and justice to victims of enforced disappearances, their families, and their communities.”