UN Offers Support to Bangladesh’s Transitional Government for Atrocity Documentation
The United Nations has pledged technical support to Bangladesh’s transitional government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, in documenting atrocities against protesters during the regime of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Anadolu Agency reported. Yunus emphasized the importance of proper documentation for truth and justice during a meeting with UN officials, including Gwyn Lewis, the UN Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.
He called for investigations into police brutality against Hefazat-e-Islam supporters and extrajudicial killings over the years. A local rights group reported that at least 61 people were killed during a crackdown on Hefazat-e-Islam protests in 2013, while 78 died in clashes following a verdict against Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi.
Lewis highlighted the UN’s readiness to assist in building local capacity for documentation, describing it as a crucial step toward healing. Additionally, she mentioned the urgent need for funding to support over 1.2 million Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is set to visit the country from March 13-16.
