Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus has called attention to the record of atrocities by Sheikh Hasina’s regime in Bangladesh, including police brutality and extrajudicial killings. UN officials offered support in documenting human rights abuses, emphasizing the importance of healing and truth. Additionally, concerns regarding the Rohingya refugee crisis and its funding were discussed, with hopes for renewed global attention during the UN Secretary-General’s upcoming visit.
Sheikh Hasina’s regime in Bangladesh is facing criticism regarding its record on atrocities, as highlighted by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus. The issues raised include the police crackdown on demonstrators at Shapla Chattar, brutality against protesters following the Delwar Hossain Sayedee verdict, and long-standing allegations of extrajudicial killings. UN officials Gwen Lewis and Huma Khan emphasized the need for documenting these human rights abuses to foster healing and truth-building in Bangladesh.
Gwen Lewis reaffirmed the United Nations’ commitment to assisting Bangladesh in its efforts to document human rights violations. She noted, “This is a process of healing and truth-building,” and offered the UN’s technical assistance to support capacity building. Yunus acknowledged and praised the UN’s fact-finding report on the human rights violations after the July-August 2024 uprising, which resulted in the end of the 15-year Awami League regime and Sheikh Hasina’s expatriation to India.
The conversation further encompassed the situation of Rohingya refugees, with Lewis expressing concern over the decreasing international aid available. She stated that approximately USD 15 million monthly is required to meet the food and basic needs of the refugees. Lewis articulated her hope that the forthcoming visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres from March 13 to 16 will rekindle global focus on the ongoing refugee crisis.
Yunus expressed contentment with the UN’s timely publication of its report, highlighting its significance. He anticipates that the document will be presented by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk at the Human Rights Council session in Geneva on March 5. The interaction between local leaders and UN officials underlines the urgent need to address human rights violations and the humanitarian crisis affecting Rohingya refugees.
The ongoing discussion surrounding human rights abuses in Bangladesh, particularly under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, highlights the crucial need for documentation and truth-building efforts. As significant international stakeholders engage in these efforts, the situation of the Rohingya refugees remains a pressing humanitarian concern, necessitating continued global attention and support. Through collaboration with organizations like the United Nations, Bangladesh aims to address these critical issues while seeking solutions to restore dignity for all affected individuals. The upcoming visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also presents an opportunity to amplify international support for the Rohingya refugee crisis. In summary, the focus on human rights documentation and the urgency surrounding the Rohingya community’s needs calls for immediate action from both local and global entities.
Original Source: m.economictimes.com