Bangladesh protests: First fact-finding UN team since country's independence to probe deaths before and after Sheikh Hasina's exit

This is the first time since Bangladesh's independence in 1971 that the UN is dispatching a fact-finding mission to probe widespread human rights violations in the country, a UN official said in a post shared on X by Bangladesh's Chief Adviser.

Muhammad Yunus was sworn in as Chief Adviser of the interim government on August 8, just days after Sheikh Hasina's administration collapsed, and she fled to India on August 5 following violent protests related to government job quota reforms.

"The United Nations is sending a UN fact-finding team next week to probe atrocities committed during the Student Revolution in July and early this month. UN human rights chief Volker Turk announced the move when he called Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus late Wednesday," the Chief Adviser of Government of Bangladesh said in a post on X, the handle for which is run by Muhammad Yunus' office.

Bangladesh plunged into turmoil last week following Sheikh Hasina's resignation, prompting the Army to step in and take control on August 5. Prior to this, anti-government protests had resulted in over 500 deaths since mid-July.

In the meantime, Volker Turk expressed his support, emphasizing that an inclusive approach focused on human rights is essential to ensuring a successful transition.

Volker Turk in a post late on Wednesday night said, "Promising phone call with @ChiefAdviserGoB Muhammad Yunus. I assured him of @UNHumanRights Office's solidarity with the people of #Bangladesh & our support to the interim govt at this pivotal time. An inclusive, human rights-centred approach will ensure this transition succeeds."

Earlier on Wednesday, after his phone call with Turk, Yunus had posted: "The UN human rights chief, @volker_turk has made a phone call to Bangladesh Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Wednesday." "A team of UN experts would soon visit the country to investigate [the killings]," Volker Turk told Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today during a phone conversation.

Muhammad Yunus said in a connecting post on X: The UN rights chief said a UN-led investigation will be launched very soon to probe the killing of the protesters during the Student Revolution.

Muhammad Yunus stated that human rights will serve as the foundation of his administration, with the protection of every citizen being the government's highest priority. He has also sought the UN's cooperation to safeguard human rights in the country.

"The Chief Adviser thanked him and his long-time friend Antonio Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, for supporting the Bangladesh students' revolution and championing their rights during unprecedented and devastating killings of student protestors," Muhammad Yunus said in the series of posts.

A complaint was lodged on Wednesday with the investigation agency of Bangladesh's International Crimes Tribunal, accusing Sheikh Hasina and eight others of genocide and crimes against humanity in connection with the student-led mass movement against her government.