Key Takeaways:

• The UN has documented systematic attacks by former PM Sheikh Hasina's government against protesters in Bangladesh.
• An estimated 1,400 individuals were killed during protests, significantly more than the interim government’s reported figure.
• The findings suggest widespread human rights abuses, including extrajudicial killings and torture, which may amount to crimes against humanity.
• A prominent rights group, Odhikar, reported at least 12 deaths in detention linked to this crackdown.
• The international community is calling for accountability and justice following the violent suppression of protests.

The United Nations has released a damning report accusing the former government of Bangladesh, led by Sheikh Hasina, of committing what could amount to “crimes against humanity” during attempts to suppress civil unrest last year. The findings, unveiled in Geneva, highlight a systematic crackdown on protests, which saw up to 1,400 people killed between July 1 and mid-August 2024, primarily at the hands of security forces. This shocking figure dwarfs the interim government’s own tally of 834 deaths and raises serious concerns over human rights violations in a country still reeling from political turmoil.

According to the BBC and other outlets, the inquiry outlines a calculated and well-coordinated strategy by Hasina's administration to retain power amid growing opposition. The UN report documents hundreds of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and torture, all facilitated by political and security leaders who were reportedly aware of and involved in the offensive against demonstrators. UN rights chief Volker Turk emphasized that the response from government entities was not only brutal but also systematic, with security forces employing lethal means including shooting protesters at point-blank range.

Sheikh Hasina, now in exile in India, fled her residence as protests surged following demonstrations originally sparked by civil service job quotas. The escalating discontent transformed into a broader anti-government movement, leading to violent reprisals against activists and citizens. The UN report is based on over 230 interviews with victims and witnesses, corroborated by medical case files and video evidence reported by India Times.

In addition to the casualties, rights group Odhikar has revealed troubling findings related to the treatment of individuals in detention following the protests. The group documented at least a dozen deaths in custody, with reported causes including torture and gunshot wounds. This information highlights ongoing human rights abuses after the uprising, as the interim government grapples with the legacy of Hasina's regime. As calls for justice grow louder, interim government officials, including Mohammed Yunus, have assured that they are committed to accountability and reform.

The inquiry's revelations not only spotlight the violent history of governance under Sheikh Hasina but also underscore the urgent need for national healing and recognition of human rights violations. As highlighted by various organizations and the UN, facing these past atrocities will be crucial for Bangladesh's future.

For more information, you can access the original articles from Al Jazeera, Channel News Asia, and South China Morning Post.