United News of Bangladesh

Interim Government’s Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Saturday virtually joined the third "Voice of the Global South" Summit, which is being hosted by India. Earlier, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi invited Prof Yunus to attend the Summit. This is Prof Yunus's first multilateral engagement after taking oath as head of the interim government.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General on Violence Against Children, Najat Maalla M’jid, on Friday called on the new interim government in Bangladesh to seize the current transition as an opportunity to address existing gaps in laws and methods to protect children from all forms of abuse and exploitation, and from arbitrary detention. “Youth and children in Bangladesh have been at the forefront of the recent protests in the country. They have achieved a lot, but they have also paid a huge price,” said Maalla M’jid. According to the latest verified figures by UNICEF, more than 65 children were killed during the crackdown on peaceful demonstrations. “I add my voice to those of the UN Secretary-General and the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights underscoring the need for a full, independent, impartial, and transparent investigation into all acts of violence. In particular, I would like to stress the importance of ensuring adequate safeguarding mechanisms for children and young people who have been victims of violence, arbitrary arrests and detention,” said Maalla M’jid. The UN Special Representative encouraged the interim authorities to expand and strengthen institutions and social programs so that they are easily accessible to all children. Maala M’jid also recalled the critical importance of a child-friendly justice system, including independent courts for minors, even more so considering the high number of children and youth that were detained during the recent protests. “I welcome that the release of children has begun, and call for the swift release of all children,” she said. “It is critical that all charges against them are lifted, especially under the cybercrime and anti-terrorist legislation, and that there are guarantees of no further prosecution.” Maalla M’jid further said that it is essential that these children and their families receive appropriate support, including legal assistance, psychosocial care and reintegration services to safeguard their well-being and future. The UN Special Representative also called on the authorities to protect youth and children’s right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. “Youth and children were at the forefront of the struggle and need to be at the forefront of change. I acknowledge the important steps taken to ensure their advisory roles in the interim Government. It is essential that youth and children continue to be actively and meaningfully involved.”

Interim government Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday said that the reports of attacks on the minorities have been “exaggerated” and he invited Indian journalists to visit Bangladesh and report from the ground on the issues of the minority protection. The chief adviser told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his government is committed to safeguarding every citizen of the country including the minorities when Modi raised the issue of the protection of the minorities during a telephone conversation. Prof Yunus thanked Modi for the telephone conversation and the message he posted on X (formerly twitter) immediately after he was sworn in as the head of the government of Bangladesh, said the chief adviser’s press wing. He felicitated the Indian leader and the Indian people on the occasion of India's Independence Day, which was celebrated on Thursday, August 15. The Indian prime minister expressed his good wishes to the new government and expressed to work with Bangladesh for the benefit of people as close friends. He also expressed his desire to work closely with the Professor Yunus-led Interim government. Modi praised the leadership of the 2006 Nobel peace laureate, saying he knew him for a long time. He said Professor Yunus has long experience and his leadership will bring good to the people of Bangladesh. Prof Yunus said the situation in Bangladesh has been brought under control and life is becoming normal across the country. Prime Minister Modi invited Professor Yunus to join the third Voice of Global South Summit to be hosted virtually by New Delhi on August 17. The chief adviser has agreed to join the summit virtually from Dhaka. He said his interim government has taken over as a result of the student movement. This is a “Second Revolution” of Bangladesh and his government will fulfill the desire of the democratic aspirations of the students and people, he said. The Indian PM felicitated Professor Yunus on his assumption of the leadership of the interim government.

The UN human rights office has urged the interim government to take steps to restore democratic order and rule of law through an “inclusive and participatory” process guided by human rights. The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in its set of recommendations, urged to ensure the transition is conducted in a transparent and accountable way that is inclusive and open to the meaningful participation of all Bangladeshis. In its report titled “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh” the UN rights body asked the interim government to develop a systematic approach to vetting for any appointments to and dismissals from the judiciary, security sector and other institutions. The report also asked the interim government to provide law enforcement agencies with clear instructions limiting the use of force, and especially firearms, in line with international human rights standards, ceasing any use of pellet guns, and, when use of force is absolutely necessary and proportionate, prioritising instead restrained use of less-lethal weapons; emphasize a de-escalation approach to all public order management. The UN rights body asked the interim government to allow the media to operate freely and safely without intimidation or reprisals. Ensure access to information and freedom of the press. Other recommendations put forwarded for the interim government are: Refrain from deploying Border Guards and Rapid Action Battalions to any protest or other public order management tasks and initiate a comprehensive review of these forces, their functions, command, control and accountability mechanisms and operational doctrines; Ensure that injured protesters, security forces, and bystanders promptly receive all necessary medical care. Facilitate unhindered access to medical treatment and support for all affected individuals; Facilitate peaceful protests without discrimination, while protecting public and private property from unlawful violence; Instruct law enforcement agencies and other government forces to protect populations at risk against any retaliatory or revenge violence, including minority communities, and diligently investigate any cases and prosecute identified perpetrators. Publish the number of arrests, and related charges in relation to the protests or any revenge violence and immediately inform and provide access to the families and legal counsel of those detained. Immediately release those arbitrarily detained and ensure all others are promptly brought before a court and afforded bail where possible. Ensure due process and legal representation for all detainees; Establish a comprehensive independent, impartial, and transparent investigation in line with international human rights standards into all recent cases involving serious injuries, deaths, or the use of firearms by security forces or other violent actors that can hold those responsible accountable. Ensure accountability for those who used or ordered the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force and provide reparation and effective remedies to victims; Protect all related evidence, including CCTV footage and other recordings, to ensure accountability and support for future investigations. Safeguard evidence to prevent tampering, damage or loss and take appropriate disciplinary and criminal action against anyone involved in such deleterious action; Consider establishing broader truth and accountability measures beyond investigation of the most recent events, with the assistance of international human rights mechanisms; Facilitate open dialogue to address social, economic, and political grievances, aiming for lasting solutions that serve the interests of all people in Bangladesh. Promote inclusive dialogue to enhance a participatory approach to decision-making; Guarantee non-recurrence by preventing further unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, arbitrary arrests, and enforced disappearances. Suspend security officials involved, including at the command level, pending a full, independent, and impartial investigation.

The UN human rights office has urged all political actors in Bangladesh to refrain from reprisals against political opponents of all viewpoints and uphold the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. “Prioritize de-escalation and prevent any further loss of life or injury,” said the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in its set of recommendations to all political actors. In its report titled “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh” the UN rights body urged the political actors to ensure protection of minority communities and refrain from any language or acts of incitement to hatred, discrimination or violence. The UN body also asked them to actively denounce any human rights violations or abuses, in particular, those committed by their own members or supporters, and advocate for measures to ensure accountability and prevent further violations and abuses; In its recommendations to the international community, the UN rights body asked them to support Bangladesh to ensure a transition in which human rights are fundamental. It also sought support from the international community for the fact-finding and accountability efforts to ensure remedy for victims and broader institutional and security sector reforms. The rights body sought support for the OHCHR in providing assistance to the Interim Government for the protection of human rights through the transition period. The interim recommendations were made in order to address the present situation in the country that has resulted from the demonstrations and events detailed in this report. However, long-term comprehensive legal and institutional reforms will be needed, said the UN rights body.

Interim government chief adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Friday assured Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi that his government would prioritise protection, safety and security of Hindus and all minority groups in Bangladesh. The assurance came during PM Modi's telephonic conversation with Prof Yunus  during which they discussed issues of mutual interest. Sharing the information on social media handle X (previously known as Twitter) Modi said they exchanged views on the prevailing situation. He reaffirmed India's support for a democratic, stable, peaceful and progressive Bangladesh. He emphasised India's commitment to supporting the people of Bangladesh through various development initiatives, according to the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. Modi also underlined the importance of ensuring the safety and protection of Hindus and all other minority communities in Bangladesh. The two leaders also discussed ways to take the bilateral relationship forward in line with the respective national priorities, his office said.

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Friday said the transition in Bangladesh was an historic opportunity to ensure governance is anchored in human rights, inclusivity and rule of law, stressing the need for accountability for all those responsible for human rights violations and violence. Accountability for violations and justice for the victims are key for the way forward, and will need to be accompanied by a national healing process, Türk said.  “The transition ahead presents an historic opportunity to reform and revitalize the country’s institutions, to restore fundamental freedoms and civic space, and to give all in Bangladesh a part in building the future,” the High Commissioner said, as the UN Human Rights Office issued a preliminary report on the protests and unrest in the country in recent weeks.  “A comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all human rights violations and abuses that have occurred will be a critical first step.” According to available public reports by media and the protest movement itself, between 16 July and 11 August, more than 600 people were killed, according the report titled “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh.” Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from 16 July to 4 August, while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between 5 and 6 August. The number of reported killings in revenge attacks since that time still remains to be determined. A number of deaths were reported between 7 and 11 August, including those who died while undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence. Those killed include protesters, bystanders, journalists covering the events and a number of members of the security force. Thousands of protesters and bystanders have been injured, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients. The reported death toll is likely an underestimate, as information collection has been hindered 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. Triggered by the reinstatement of a quota system for allocation of civil service positions, initially peaceful student protests in Bangladesh in mid-June were followed by violence and serious human rights violations committed by security forces, with hundreds of people believed to have been killed – including at least 32 children – and thousands injured. “There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation. Additional, alleged violations, that also warrant thorough, impartial and transparent investigations, included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on exercise of freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly,” the report states. Following the resignation of the Government on 5 August 2024, there were also reports of looting, arson and attacks on members of religious minorities, as well as reprisals against and revenge killings of members of the former ruling party and police. On 15 August, mobs armed with bamboo sticks, iron rods and pipes reportedly assaulted supporters of the former Prime Minister. Journalists were also reportedly attacked and threatened preventing them from filming at the scenes. The report emphasises the importance of rapidly restoring law and order, and 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 High Commissioner welcomed the initiative by various student organisations, faith leaders and other people forming groups to protect minorities and religious sites belonging to minority communities. The Interim Government has also strongly condemned these acts. All those responsible for human rights violations, including those who used or ordered the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, must be held to account and victims provided reparations and effective remedies, he added. Türk welcomed the release of thousands of detainees and longer-term political prisoners – including some victims of enforced disappearance – and urged the release of all those arbitrarily detained. The report also called for a systematic approach to vetting for any appointments and dismissals to the judiciary, security sector and other institutions. The High Commissioner also announced that a team would visit Dhaka next week to explore areas in which the UN Human Rights Office can support the transition. The team will also discuss the modalities for an investigation into human rights violations in the context of the recent violence and unrest. “As I assured the Chief Adviser to the Interim Government, Professor Muhammad Yunus in our phone call this week, we stand in solidary with the people of Bangladesh at this time and are committed to supporting the Interim Government for a successful transition that is inclusive and advances the rights of all the people in Bangladesh,” said Türk.  

US Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources Richard R. Verma will lead U.S. delegations to Nepal on August 16 and India from August 17-22 to advance and support a prosperous, secure, and resilient future for both countries. In Nepal, the delegation will meet with senior government officials, development professionals, and business leaders to discuss shared priorities in economic development, women’s empowerment, energy, and people-to-people ties. Deputy Secretary Verma will travel to New Delhi, India to meet with senior government officials, climate leaders, and aerospace academics and industry representatives to advance the U.S.-Indian partnership on a full range of issues, including economic development, clean energy and climate action, and STEM education, said the Spokesperson at the US Department of State. He will be joined in India by Senior Advisor to the President for International Climate Policy John Podesta and Deputy Secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy David Turk.

The United Nations has urged the security forces in Bangladesh to help people hold peaceful assembly and protests respecting their rights. “Our comment is essentially the same as what we've been saying for the previous protests - that we encourage the right to peaceful protest to be respected by all,” said Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq. He made the remarks when a questioner drew his attention about student protesters’ obstruction of people who went there to pay tribute to the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi-32 on the 49th anniversary of his murder on August 15. “And we call on security forces to ensure that no one engaging in peaceful protest is harmed,” said the Deputy Spokesperson. The UN also said they are willing to support the interim government and people of Bangladesh as required. "Regarding what you said about support for Bangladesh, I can certainly confirm that we remain willing to support the Government and people of Bangladesh as needed," said Deputy Spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General Farhan Haq while responding to a question from Mushfiqul Fazal Ansarey on August 15. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk and Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus discussed a "comprehensive range of support" their office could provide to the interim government and the transition, including on accountability issues. Farhan said a team will visit Dhaka from next week to discuss areas of support and the modalities for an investigation of human rights violations in the context of the recent violence and unrest. The high commissioner is very committed to supporting the interim government and people of Bangladesh in a successful transition that strengthens the protection of human rights, he said. On the other hand, UN Resident Coordinator in Dhaka Gwyn Lewis met Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain at his office on Thursday. She said they will have some technical colleagues who will be arriving in Dhaka next week. "They will do initial fact-finding but the mandate, details and how the team will work with the government - all need to be agreed," the UNRC told reporters after the meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. UN resident coordinator reaffirmed UN’s support towards the interim government in Bangladesh. The Adviser emphasised for the UN Country Team to carry on with their work in the diverse areas of mutual interest. He underscored the importance of the UN’s constructive support in establishing good governance and rule of law. Lewis shared perspectives on further support for independent investigation, transitional justice and human rights protection. They also discussed economic cooperation, LDC graduation, climate change, and the ongoing UN humanitarian operations concerning Bangladesh. The adviser sought UN’s meaningful support in meeting aspirations of the people, especially youth, and their expectations of the interim government.  

The government has cancelled contractual appointment of Mobashwira Farzana Mithila (Mithila Farzana) who was appointed as Counsellor at Bangladesh High Commission in Ottawa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Mithila to return to Dhaka by August 31, leaving her current responsibilities.  Earlier, Mithila was appointed as Director/Counselor of the Public Diplomacy Wing of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on contractual basis. She was Ekattor Television's Head of Current Affairs.