The United Nations has issued a stern warning to the Bangladesh Army, stating that involvement in the July movement could lead to the loss of their ability to participate in peacekeeping missions. 

This warning came directly from UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, during an interview with BBC's HARDtalk, aired on March 5.

Turk explained, "We actually gave the warning to the army that if they get involved, it means they may not be able to be a troop-contributing country anymore." He further said that this led to significant changes, particularly after Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of chief adviser to the interim administration in Bangladesh.

In response to questions about the protests that took place during July and August 2024, Turk described the mass student demonstrations against the government of Sheikh Hasina. 

He said, "During July-August, you know there was massive demonstration of students. They had enough of the previous government under Sheikh Hasina. There was massive repression happening. The big hope for them was actually our voice, was my voice, was also what we were able to do and we put the spotlight on the situation."

Dr. Muhammad Yunus, after taking office, asked the UN to send a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh to investigate the situation. 

Turk shared that the mission helped bring attention to the issue, with students in Bangladesh expressing gratitude for the UN's support. 

"I was in Bangladesh last year, and the students were so grateful for us taking a stand, and for us speaking out and for supporting them," Turk added.

On March 5, Volker Turk presented a comprehensive report in Geneva, focusing on the human rights violations that occurred during the July and August protests in Bangladesh. 

The report, which was based on a fact-finding mission, highlighted systematic human rights abuses carried out by former government officials, members of the security and intelligence services, and associates of the ruling party at the time.

During the presentation, Turk emphasized the importance of accountability in ensuring justice for the victims of these violations. "Ensuring accountability for the rights violations is absolutely the key," he said. The report, issued on February 12, also outlined recommendations for human rights reforms in Bangladesh.

The event was attended by representatives from the interim government of Bangladesh and civil society members, all of whom engaged in a dialogue on the findings and recommendations, with the goal of fostering justice and human rights reforms in the country.

BDST: 1052 HRS, March 07, 2025
MN