UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk starts visit to Bangladesh from Oct 29

Guwahati, Oct 29: The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has called on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, to press the interim government of Bangladesh to allow the establishment of a UN human rights office in the country, with full access to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs).

Türk’s visit to Bangladesh comes amid renewed appeals for international oversight and intervention due to reported human rights abuses against indigenous communities in the region.

The RRAG emphasized that the Bangladesh government has yet to release findings from an inquiry led by Additional Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong, Mohammad Nurullah Noori, into recent violence against indigenous peoples in areas such as Dighinala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati. This violence, occurring between September 19 and October 1, resulted in the deaths of at least four indigenous individuals, serious injuries to 75 people, and destruction of property, including homes, businesses, and Buddhist temples.

The interim Chief Advisor, Dr. Mohammad Yunus, announced that the next elected government would address these issues. However, RRAG underscored the urgency of an immediate UN presence to monitor and advocate for the rights and safety of indigenous Jumma communities facing aggression from Bangladesh Army personnel and illegal settlers in the region.

The RRAG alleged that the Hindu minority community in Bangladesh has been enduring a surge in violent incidents with limited accountability. The daily Prothom Alo documented damage to 1,068 homes, businesses, and 22 places of worship between August 5 and 20, while the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad reported a staggering 2,010 incidents of communal violence during this period.

RRAG Director Suhas Kumar Chakma highlighted ongoing concerns, noting that despite extensive security during Durga Puja celebrations from October 1 to 11, Bangladesh Police recorded at least 35 incidents targeting the celebrations. Chakma expressed disappointment with interim Chief Advisor Dr. Mohammad Yunus, who deferred responsibility for implementing the peace accord in the Chittagong Hill Tracts to the next elected government.

Chakma also criticized Dr. Yunus’s comments, alleging that the recent violence against religious minorities stemmed from their perceived allegiance to the Awami League, instead of initiating thorough investigations into these incidents.

Chakma pointed out the lack of representation for religious minorities and indigenous communities in the newly formed Constitutional Reforms Commission, which he sees as a reflection of exclusionary policies.

RRAG asserted that addressing these issues is crucial to ensuring protection and inclusivity for Bangladesh’s marginalized communities.

The pressure group has raised serious concerns over the compromised independence of the judiciary in Bangladesh. Recent removals of five Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, and the restriction of judicial duties for twelve High Court judges reportedly due to student-led protests indicate a climate where judicial independence is under threat.

According to RRAG Director Suhas Kumar Chakma, judges face public intimidation, with threats of “mob justice” should they release individuals associated with former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina or the Awami League, undermining fair legal proceedings.

This lack of judicial independence has also impacted the handling of criminal accusations and prosecutions. By August 31, approximately 1,94,000 individuals were implicated in 268 FIRs (First Information Reports), with around 26,268 named and roughly 1,68,000 unnamed accused. Among those facing legal action are 54 journalists, allegedly targeted for reporting perceived as supportive of the previous government.

Chakma urged the formation of a committee to review these FIRs to prevent the mass criminalization of unnamed individuals through wrongful prosecution.

While innocent individuals face prosecution, RRAG expressed alarm that at least 43 high-profile criminals, including Ansar al Islam’s leader Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani and other known terrorists, have been released on bail despite serious pending charges. This group includes Abbas Ali (“Killer Abbas”), Sheikh Mohammad Aslam (“Sweden Aslam”), Imamul Hasan Helal (“Picchi Helal”), and Sanjidul Islam (“Emon”), all named on the Ministry of Home Affairs list of top terrorists since 2001. RRAG’s concerns emphasize the potential risks this duality in justice poses to the rule of law and the protection of innocent citizens.

Read: Battle for the Banyans: Guwahati Residents Protest to Save Centuries-Old Trees from Flyover Project

WATCH:

Find latest news from every corner of Northeast India at hubnetwork.in, your online source for breaking news, video coverage.

Also, Follow us on-

Twitter-twitter.com/nemediahub

Youtube channel- www.youtube.com/@NortheastMediaHub2020

Instagram- www.instagram.com/ne_media_hub

Download our app from playstore – Northeast Media Hub