UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has praised Bangladeshi students for standing up for human rights, equality and justice, and calls upon them to keep human rights and rule of law as the compass to move forward.
"Human rights and the rule of law can be your roadmap and the compass, as you navigate the path from the violence of the recent past towards a new society and future," he said while speaking at the Dhaka University on Tuesday, first day of his two-day visit after the August 5 changeover.
He said Bangladesh is a rich tapestry of promise, culture, and creativity. Full of potential ideas and justifiable demands for a better present and a brighter future.
"To realize that potential, Bangladesh must draw a clear line in the sand," he said.
"Inequality, cycles of revenge and retribution, marginalization, corruption, and gross human rights violations must be consigned to the past. There must be no repetition, no going back. The present and future belong to equality, to justice."
"I stand together with all of you, as you look to build a more equal, more inclusive, and more just Bangladesh for all," he told the students while remembering their heroic movement in July-August and giving his proposals for the way forward.
"We have been inspired by the courage and sacrifice of your struggle. This is your journey – and we are here to accompany and support you on the way," he said.
"My office is ready to play its part, starting with the Fact-Finding Mission already underway. I will be discussing with the interim government areas where we can support on institution building, rebuilding civic space, accountability and healing processes, from a human rights perspective," he said.
"Young people, everywhere, are facing a tumultuous world, filled with deepening inequality and ongoing economic crises and uncertainty. Your present and future are being threatened by climate chaos that is becoming more destructive and ferocious every day.
"In Bangladesh, you know this better than most," he said.
While global leaders play politics with your future, young people are showing true leadership. Everywhere, they are standing up for climate action, justice and human rights, he said.
"Together with other students from both private and public universities, from madrasas, colleges and schools, together with people from across the country you have shown great courage in standing up for justice and equality for the people of Bangladesh.
"So, I am truly honoured to be speaking here today – at a pivotal time, and in a symbolic place.
"Our presence here today, marking a new beginning for Bangladesh, is a testament to their courage and a memorial to their sacrifice," he said.
"For much of your lives, destructive and corrupt politics entrenched an economy of inequality, irrespective of who was in charge. Political opposition, civic dissent and peaceful protest were suppressed, often violently. Atrocious violations – like extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests and detentions and torture – were met with denial and impunity.
"Prosperity, opportunity, decision-making, and equality were off limits for many people. And young people struggled in specific ways. Many were marginalized and disenfranchised, without access to quality education and jobs," he said, hailing the students to seize the moment in July "to put your country on a different pathway.
"Bangladesh now has an historic opportunity to renew and revitalize a genuine democracy. To deliver deep reform. To start a process of truth, justice and healing. To ensure that the benefits of development are enjoyed by all people," he added.
"And to rebuild your country on a foundation of equality – where every voice is heard and valued, irrespective of class, gender, race, political ideology or religion. And it is young people who have led the way. They provide understanding and clarity."
What it means for Bangladesh today
"That is for Bangladeshis to decide," he said. "I would like to offer some observations."
First, a human rights approach calls for truth, justice, and healing for recent events and past human rights violations.
These are the vital building blocks of just societies. Without healing, the legacy of violence is simply more violence and more victims. We cannot allow a vicious new cycle of reprisals and revenge to repeat itself. Take inspiration from role models such as Nelson Mandela, he said.
"The pursuit of justice must also go beyond trials of those responsible, and address the root causes to achieve the broader social transformation to which you aspire. We need to look forward, not only backwards.
"Such an approach should begin with a broad-based national dialogue to design a pathway towards truth, accountability, reparation, and national healing.
"It must be inclusive and centered on survivors and victims," he said.
He also urged the international community to provide psychological support in this healing process.
Second, at a broader level, he said, Bangladesh has an important opportunity to confront longstanding human rights violations, rebuild an open, diverse and tolerant civic space, and reform key State institutions.
"This is essential to rebuild social cohesion, restore trust in institutions and ensure such abuse of power can never happen again.
"A human rights approach requires examination, abolition and reform of repressive laws and institutions that stifle dissent.
"It means questioning whether punishments like the death penalty will help to take society forward. I am firmly against the death penalty and will continue advocating for its abolition here in this country and elsewhere.
"And a human rights approach requires an open environment for journalists, trade unionists, civil society activists and other human rights defenders to work freely and independently," he said.
"Beware of the idea that the ends justify the means. The process through which you seek change is just as crucial as the outcome.
"Strengthening institutions can be more important in the long term than tearing them down. A State cannot function without strong and independent institutions anchored in human rights. This will take time."
Third, human rights should underpin the democratic process.
"Bangladesh will have to grapple with decades of divisive politics that have not served its people well."
A human rights approach calls for a level playing field that enables all political parties to participate freely, he said.
Citizens must be able to participate in democratic governance and have a real say in decision-making.
Free and fair elections require an environment where freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly are respected, he said.
Fourth, this is an opportunity for inclusive, sustainable development policies that benefit everyone.
Bangladesh has one of the fastest-growing economies in the world. But economic growth has been uneven, and the benefits have been concentrated among a small segment of society, resulting in high levels of inequality and even oppression, he said
"A human rights approach also requires action to root out and prevent corruption, end cronyism and oligopolies, and ensure that public finances are managed transparently."
