Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the importance of documenting all atrocities committed during the regime of ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, including the crackdown on protesters at Shapla Chattar, police brutality against protesters following the verdict against Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, and extrajudicial killings over the years. “There is a need for proper documentation of all atrocities committed against the people of this country. Unless this documentation is done, it is difficult to know the truth and ensure justice,” said the Chief Adviser.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser made these comments during a meeting with Gwyn Lewis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, and Huma Khan, the Senior Human Rights Adviser at the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office in Bangladesh, at the State Guest House Jamuna. Resident Coordinator Lewis stated that the UN was ready to provide technical support and help the people of Bangladesh build their capacity in documenting these atrocities. “This is the process of healing and establishing truth,” Lewis remarked.
The Chief Adviser expressed gratitude to the UN for its fact-finding report on human rights violations and abuses related to the protests of July and August 2024 in Bangladesh. “We are very happy to see the UN has published the report. It came on time. It was not an easy task,” he acknowledged. Resident Coordinator Lewis also informed the Chief Adviser that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker T?rk, is scheduled to brief the member states about its findings on March 5 during the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
Additionally, the resident coordinator expressed hope that the upcoming visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to Bangladesh would bring renewed global attention to the Rohingya crisis amid dwindling aid supply. “We are very worried about the money situation,” she said, noting that every month, 15 million US dollars are needed just to ensure food supply for Rohingyas, in addition to other basic needs. UN Secretary-General Guterres is set to visit Bangladesh from March 13 to 16 next.