Bangladesh: Interim government must prioritise human rights

Independent investigation needed into protest deaths

Responding to an announcement that a new interim government is to be formed in Bangladesh following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday amid mass protests in the country, Smriti Singh, Amnesty International’s South Asia Director, said:

“The first order of business for any interim government should be to ensure protection of people's right to life, right to free speech and peaceful assembly, and to find ways of de-escalating any potential for further violence.

“Any measures proposed to move forward from this deadly chapter in Bangladesh’s history need to be rooted in the principles of justice, accountability and non-recurrence.

“The human rights violations in the last three weeks that have led to the death of more than 300 people, with thousands injured and arbitrarily arrested, should be independently and impartially investigated in a transparent manner.

“We also call again for the establishment of a prompt, independent and impartial investigation into the deaths and injuries resulting from the protests. Those found responsible must be held accountable and the victims of the violence should receive full reparations from the state.

“It’s an opportune moment for any new interim government in Bangladesh to show solidarity with its people, protect the most vulnerable and not repeat the mistakes of the past.”

Long March to Dhaka

Yesterday, student protesters called on people from across Bangladesh to join a “Long March to Dhaka”. As thousands marched into the capital Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country, and the army announced moves to set up an interim government. On Sunday, in one of the worst days of violent clashes since the start of the protests early last month, some 99 people were reportedly killed, with politicians’ homes, sites of religious worship and police stations attacked in several districts. Amnesty had previously called for an end to the violence and published a video verification series documenting evidence of the unlawful use of lethal force against student protesters.