UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani speaks about how the OHCHR Fact-Finding Report on the human rights violations and abuses during the July and August 2024 protests in Bangladesh was conducted in an exclusive interview with Dhaka Tribune’s Nawaz Farhin Antara. She stressed that the report recommends any accountability process comply with international standards of due process and evidence, and it suggests that Bangladesh consider referring the situation to the International Criminal Court.
Could you summarize the key findings of the OHCHR Fact-Finding Report on the human rights violations and abuses during the July and August 2024 protests in Bangladesh? -
We don’t have any vested interests or political affiliations, so we were able to approach this work with full independence. We conducted several visits to the country, visited detention centers and hospitals, and reviewed many videos and other data provided to us. We interviewed more than 250 people—including victims, witnesses, medical professionals, and several senior officials from the previous administration. Based on the information we collected, along with digital forensics analysis, medical forensics analysis, and weapons analysis, we found that instructions from the highest levels of the former government led to serious and systematic human rights violations. We have reasonable grounds to believe that crimes against humanity—including murder, torture, imprisonment, and other inhumane acts—have been committed as part of a widespread and systematic attack against protesters and other civilians.
What specific types of human rights violations were documented during the protests?
We documented killings, extrajudicial executions, and extensive arbitrary arrests. We found that more than 11,700 people were arrested, mostly under arbitrary circumstances. We also documented cases of torture and ill-treatment in detention facilities and during the process of being detained. This also includes violations against children and women.
Were there particular groups or individuals who were disproportionately affected by these violations?
It quickly became clear to us that the use of excessive force by security forces was part of a government policy to violently suppress protests and maintain the former government’s power. Security forces clearly targeted students and other protesters on the streets. We estimate that 1,400 people were killed—78% of them by gunfire and 66% due to the use of military rifles. This makes it very clear who was behind these killings.
What steps does the OHCHR recommend to ensure accountability for the perpetrators of these violations?
Some steps toward accountability have been taken by the interim government, including through the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). However, we have concerns due to the ICT’s history of unfair legal proceedings, flawed legal bases, and the use of the death penalty. We are also recommending that Bangladesh consider referring the situation to the International Criminal Court for the crimes committed by the former regime. This would complement domestic efforts. Accountability should not be limited to criminal justice alone. While criminal justice is essential for addressing serious human rights violations, a broader transitional justice process is also needed—one that includes truth-telling, reconciliation, reparations for those harmed, and a real focus on the needs of the victims.
Has there been any response from the Bangladeshi government regarding these recommendations?
In fact, the government itself invited us to conduct this fact-finding mission. The report was shared with them well in advance of its release, and they provided some comments, several of which we integrated into the report. There has been good engagement and a positive back-and-forth. With our global mandate, we have supported other countries through difficult transitions, and we can provide advice and assistance as the authorities build on the work of the reform commissions and carry forward institutional and legal reforms.
The report mentions the involvement of various security forces in the suppression of protests. Could you elaborate on the specific actions taken by these forces that were deemed violations of human rights?
Overall, the situation in Bangladesh involved the politicization of the police under the former government, creating deep links between the Awami League, the Chatra League, and the police. This resulted in an extremely dangerous situation for the people. We observed that not only the police, but also the BGP, BDR, RAB, and the army, were involved in carrying out these violations. Military-grade weapons were used in some instances, and in some cases, we even witnessed point-blank shootings.
Beyond the immediate violence, what longer-term impact have these events had on the civilian population, particularly in terms of displacement, psychological trauma, or access to essential services?
When we speak of 1,400 people killed, that is only an estimate of the fatalities. There are also more than 13,500 people injured, with some sustaining life-changing injuries. This figure only accounts for physical injuries, but there is also significant psychological trauma. There are reports of gender-based violence, including cases where women were specifically targeted, and of ill-treatment in detention facilities. That is why we stress accountability in a broader sense. While criminal justice is necessary for prosecuting the most serious violations, there must also be a process of national healing, reconciliation, truth-telling, and individual support for victims—whether that support is psychosocial or helps them pursue legal cases.
What role can the international community play in supporting justice and accountability for the victims of these human rights abuses? -
We are very happy to continue assisting. We are working with the government to establish a strengthened presence for the UN Human Rights Office in the country, and we believe we can help support these reforms. With our global mandate and experience in transitional justice processes in many countries facing difficult situations, we are eager to help build a democratic, equitable, and human rights-based future. A stable, prosperous, and secure Bangladesh is in everyone’s interest—both regionally and internationally.
Based on the findings, what measures would you suggest to prevent such human rights violations in future protests or civil movements in Bangladesh?
We are proposing that outdated laws, which have enabled the use of disproportionate force against protesters, be reformed. Bangladesh has a long history of dissent, and while there are laws that have facilitated that, they need to be updated. The security sector has long been politicized, and that must change. There needs to be institutional reform and independent checks and balances. For example, we are proposing the creation of an independent oversight body for the police to advise on promotions and appointments. It is also concerning that, at one point, Sheikh Hasina labeled students as terrorists, using hateful language against civil society.
What are the next steps for the OHCHR following the publication of this report? Are there plans for continued monitoring or support for victims?
Here in Geneva, we often receive requests from other member states for the High Commissioner to brief them on the findings of major reports. It is likely that we will organize a briefing here as well to move this forward. We are also raising with the government the need for us to establish a presence that reflects national priorities and the need for assistance, which would also help us continue to monitor the situation.