1 month ago
12
UN Human Rights chief Volker Turk on Saturday called for a comprehensive, impartial and transparent investigation into all human rights violations. He said the transition in the South Asian nation is a historic opportunity to ensure governance is anchored in human rights, inclusivity and the rule of law read more
 "Mohammad Yunus pledges free & fair elections in Bangladesh")
Muhammad Yunus. File Image: AFP.
Amid frequent reports of attacks on minorities, the Chief Adviser of the interim government Mohammad Yunus assured the international community, saying that Bangladesh is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment in which ”free, fair and participatory elections” can be held.
Bangladesh descended into chaos after Hasina fled to India on August 5. Before that, the anti-government protests had killed more than 500 people since mid-July. Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus was sworn in on August 8 as the Chief Adviser of the interim government after he was chosen by President Mohammed Shahabuddin following the dissolution of the Parliament, a decision prompted by a demand by the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
Watch Also: Hundreds Protest Bangladesh Violence, Chant “Save Hindus” in Houston
The Bangladesh National Hindu Grand Alliance said the minority community faced attacks and threats in 278 locations across 48 districts since the fall of the Sheikh Hasina-led government, terming it as an ”assault on the Hindu religion”.
Several Hindu temples, homes and businesses of the minority community in Bangladesh were destroyed this month amidst the unrest.
Read Also: Bangladesh unrest kills nearly 650, UN demands thorough probe
”You all are aware that Bangladesh witnessed a ‘Second Revolution’ on 5th August 2024, through a mass uprising spearheaded by our valiant students and joined by the masses,” the 84-year-old Nobel laureate said, referring to the political turmoil in his country and the resignation of prime minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5.
Noting that the current interim government led by him was sworn in on August 8, Yunus said, ”Our government is committed to ensuring a transition to inclusive and pluralistic democracy and creating an environment in which free, fair and participatory elections can be held.” Yunus assumed charge of the interim government amid ongoing violence and vandalism, including against the minorities.
”Our task is now to carry out vital reforms in our electoral system, judiciary, local government, media, economy and education,” Yunus said at the summit being attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
”I invite you to visit Dhaka soon. Otherwise, you may miss something important. Much of Dhaka has turned into the graffiti capital of the world. Young students and children aged as young as 12-13 have been painting the walls of this 400-year-old city with images of a New Democratic environment- friendly Bangladesh,” he said.
”There is no central planning or guidance for that. No budget support from anybody. It is just an outpouring of their emotions and commitment to the goals of the Second Revolution,” the noted economist, said.
Meanwhile, the UN Human Rights Office has said in a preliminary report said that nearly 650 people have been killed in the recent unrest in Bangladesh between July 16 and August 11. The UN suggested a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions.
According to the 10-page report titled “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh”, nearly 400 deaths were reported between July 16 and August 4 while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between August 5 and 6, leading to the ouster of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.
With inputs from agencies.
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
)
English (US) ·