UN Reports Allegations of Crimes Against Humanity During Bangladesh Crackdown

The UN human rights office estimates around 1,400 deaths in Bangladesh due to government crackdowns on student-led protests. The Geneva-based office suggests these actions might constitute crimes against humanity. Investigations are encouraged as political and security leaders allegedly coordinated these violations, sparking a mass protest movement.

A recent report from the UN human rights office has brought to light disturbing allegations regarding the violent crackdown on student-led protests in Bangladesh last summer. An estimated 1,400 people were reportedly killed in the violence.

The Geneva-based office detailed that security and intelligence services in Bangladesh engaged in systematic human rights violations, actions that could be classified as crimes against humanity, warranting further investigation. The majority of those casualties resulted from security forces' gunfire.

This report follows an invitation by interim leader and Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, who wanted the UN to investigate the unrest that led to the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Initially peaceful demonstrations against a controversial government job quota system quickly escalated into an extensive uprising, challenging the Awami League's rule.

(With inputs from agencies.)