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.
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
