UN has urged Bangladesh to disclose details of its crackdown on protests amid reports of violence

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk on Thursday called on the Bangladesh Government to urgently disclose full details about last week’s crackdown on protests amid increasing reports of severe violence. Türk emphasized the need for all law enforcement operations to adhere to international human rights norms and standards.

Recent reports indicate that over 170 people were killed, more than a thousand injured (with some reportedly denied medical care), and many are missing following protests by students and youth movements against government policies. At least two journalists were reported killed, and many others were injured. The crackdown also saw hundreds of arrests, including opposition figures, according to a press release from the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Türk expressed concerns that many individuals were subjected to violent attacks by groups allegedly affiliated with the government, with no protection provided. He urged the Bangladeshi authorities to restore full Internet access to allow unrestricted communication for all, including journalists and media outlets, in accordance with international law. The government was also called upon to provide information about those killed, injured, or detained to their families.

The UN High Commissioner criticized the government’s use of a blanket Internet shutdown, stating that such measures violate international law by impeding freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and a range of other rights, including freedom of association and movement, and the rights to health and education. He noted that Internet shutdowns can diminish public scrutiny of law enforcement conduct and potentially increase impunity.

Türk called for an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation into all reported human rights violations and offered support from his office. He urged the authorities to ensure no reprisals against protest participants and to commit to comprehensive security sector reforms to prevent future abuses.

Türk also expressed hope that the Supreme Court’s decision on Sunday to significantly narrow the quota system for government jobs—an issue that sparked last week’s protests—might facilitate confidence-building and lead to meaningful dialogue to address underlying grievances. He appealed to all political actors to refrain from statements or actions that could incite violence or further suppress dissent.