'Strong indications' Bangladesh security forces used 'unnecessary' force: UN
The Hindu
UN reports Bangladeshi security forces used unnecessary force in ousting premier Sheikh Hasina, leading to 450 deaths.
The United Nations said on Friday (August 16, 2024) there were strong indications that the Bangladeshi security forces used unnecessary force in tackling the student-led uprising that ousted premier Sheikh Hasina.
Ms. Hasina, 76, fled to neighbouring India by helicopter last week as demonstrators flooded Dhaka's streets in a dramatic end to her iron-fisted rule of 15 years.
More than 450 people were killed in the weeks of protests leading up to her ousting on August 5.
Also Read:Analysis: Why Hasina fell
"There are strong indications, warranting further independent investigation, that the security forces used unnecessary and disproportionate force in their response to the situation," the UN Human Rights office said in a preliminary report.
"Alleged violations included extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detention, enforced disappearances, torture and ill-treatment, and severe restrictions on exercise of freedoms of expression and peaceful assembly."
The report stressed the need for a rapid restoration of law and order, and the need to prevent further loss of life, violence and acts of reprisals.
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After the fall of Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year regime on August 5, Bangladesh has experienced a sharp rise in mob violence, fabricated cases, robbery, mugging and extortions.
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