More

    UN Bodies, US Lawmakers Demand Action Amidst Ongoing Violence in Bangladesh

    CountriesBangladeshUN Bodies, US Lawmakers Demand Action Amidst Ongoing Violence...
    - Advertisment -

    UN Bodies, US Lawmakers Demand Action Amidst Ongoing Violence in Bangladesh

    In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, the US lawmakers expressed alarm over the declining state of democracy and human rights under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.

    UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has called on the Bangladeshi government to take immediate action to prevent further violence and ensure accountability. This appeal follows a wave of protests and internet restrictions, accompanied by alarming reports of violence by security forces and government-affiliated groups. Turk emphasized the need for the government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly and access to information in a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday.

    Turk had previously urged on July 25 for an impartial, independent, and transparent investigation into alleged human rights violations connected to recent quota reform protests. His office has offered support for such an investigation.

    In the United States, a bipartisan group of 22 senators and representatives have also voiced their concerns. Led by Senator Edward J. Markey and Representatives Jim McGovern and Bill Keating, the lawmakers have urged the US administration to support democratic principles and human rights in Bangladesh. In a letter addressed to Secretary of State Antony Blinken, they expressed alarm over the declining state of democracy and human rights under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government.

    The letter highlights recent deadly clashes between student protesters and state security forces, criticizing the government’s handling of demonstrations with excessive force and internet shutdowns. The lawmakers called on the US Department of State to uphold democratic values, condemn violence, and ensure critical civil liberties are protected.

    - Advertisement -

    The bipartisan letter, which also garnered signatures from Senators Chris Van Hollen, Dick Durbin, Tim Kaine, Tammy Baldwin, Jeff Merkley, and Chris Murphy, as well as Representatives Seth Moulton, Lori Trahan, Joe Wilson, Dina Titus, Grace Meng, Gerry Connolly, Gabe Amo, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Ilhan Omar, Nydia Velázquez, Dan Kildee, Barbara Lee, and Delegate James Moylan, emphasizes the need for international support to safeguard democratic rights in Bangladesh.

    Children killed

    Meanwhile, UNICEF has reported that at least 32 children were killed and many more injured or detained during the student protests in July. The protests erupted in response to a controversial quota system for government jobs amid rising unemployment. Although the government has withdrawn the system, protests continue, particularly in Dhaka, demanding accountability.

    UNICEF’s Regional Director for South Asia, Sanjay Wijesekera, expressed grave concern over the violence’s impact on children. He condemned all acts of violence and urged an end to the detention of children, emphasizing that such measures are both frightening and contrary to international human rights standards.

    The protests also led to the closure of schools, affecting around 30 million students. While primary schools are set to reopen on August 4, approximately 15.5 million children remain unable to resume their education. Wijesekera stressed the importance of reopening schools to support children’s recovery from violence and to prevent long-term educational setbacks.

    As the situation in Bangladesh continues to evolve, calls for international intervention and protection of fundamental rights remain urgent, say civil society groups inside the country.

    Image: Wikimedia

    - Advertisement -

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Latest news

    India Among Six Most Affected Countries by Extreme Weather Events

    The long-term assessment of the CRI 2025, covering data from 1993 to 2022, places India as the sixth most affected country globally due to extreme weather events. Over this period, India reported a staggering loss of 80,000 lives and economic damages amounting to $200 billion.

    Calculated, Coordinated Crackdown – UN Report Uncovers Systematic Repression in Bangladesh Protests

    The mass mobilisation saw participation from people across different backgrounds, including women and children. Faced with this growing opposition, the former government resorted to increasingly violent means to maintain power. The UN report describes a deliberate strategy orchestrated at the highest levels of the former administration.

    Adani Green Energy Withdraws from $1 Billion Wind Power Project in Sri Lanka

    There has been a raging debate in Sri Lanka on the deal, citing it as an expensive deal. The earlier government had agreed to purchase power from Adani’s 484-megawatt wind power project at a rate of 8.26 US cents per unit under a 20-year power purchase agreement.

    IMF Chief Reaffirms Support for Pakistan’s Reforms in Meeting with Shehbaz Sharif

    Georgieva praised Pakistan’s efforts in implementing the IMF-supported program, acknowledging the country’s improving economic performance with rising growth and declining inflation. She recognized Pakistan’s economic recovery and noted that it is on a positive trajectory.
    - Advertisement -

    In the Lok Sabha: Government Reports Significant Progress on Agriculture Infrastructure Fund

    Eligible projects include warehouses, silos, cold chains, logistics facilities, and smart precision agriculture infrastructure. Loan applicants must contribute at least 10 per cent of the project cost, and an entity can apply for up to 25 projects, each eligible for a loan of up to Rs. 2 crore.

    In the Lok Sabha: Over 68,000 Lakes Constructed as Part of Mission Amrit Sarovar

    With the successful completion of more than 68,000 Sarovars ahead of schedule, the government has now launched the second phase of Mission Amrit Sarovar. This phase will emphasise ensuring sustainable water availability and climate resilience, with community participation (Jan Bhagidari) being the core focus.

    Must read

    India Among Six Most Affected Countries by Extreme Weather Events

    The long-term assessment of the CRI 2025, covering data from 1993 to 2022, places India as the sixth most affected country globally due to extreme weather events. Over this period, India reported a staggering loss of 80,000 lives and economic damages amounting to $200 billion.

    Calculated, Coordinated Crackdown – UN Report Uncovers Systematic Repression in Bangladesh Protests

    The mass mobilisation saw participation from people across different backgrounds, including women and children. Faced with this growing opposition, the former government resorted to increasingly violent means to maintain power. The UN report describes a deliberate strategy orchestrated at the highest levels of the former administration.
    - Advertisement -

    More from the sectionRELATED
    Recommended to you