The United Nations said on Friday there were strong indications that Bangladeshi security forces used unnecessary force in dealing with the student-led uprising that ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Sheikh Hasina, 76, fled by helicopter to neighbouring India last week as protesters took over the streets of Dhaka, bringing a dramatic end to her 15 years of harsh rule.
More than 450 people were killed in weeks of protests before he was ousted on August 5.
The UN human rights office said in a preliminary report, “There are strong indications that security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force while responding to the situation, which requires further independent investigation.”
“Alleged violations include extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
The report stressed the need for prompt restoration of law and order and to prevent loss of life and property, violence and reprisal acts.
The interim government that replaced Sheikh Hasina, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has invited UN investigators to probe the violent “atrocities” that followed her ouster.
Yunus, 84, returned from Europe last week and is leading a transitional administration faced with the challenge of pushing forward democratic reforms.
UN human rights chief Volker Turk said the transition in Bangladesh is an opportunity to ensure that governance is based on rights and the rule of law.
“The transition ahead presents a historic opportunity to reform and revitalize the country’s institutions, restore fundamental freedoms and civic space, and enable everyone in Bangladesh to participate in building our future,” he said.
“Accountability for violations and justice for victims are crucial to moving forward, and will also require a national-level reparations process,” he said.
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