Chief Adviser Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus has emphasized the importance of documenting atrocities committed during the regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, specifically referring to incidents like the Shapla Chattar crackdown, police violence against protesters following Delwar Hossain Sayeedi’s verdict, and extrajudicial killings over the years.
During a meeting with Gwyn Lewis, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh, and Huma Khan, the Senior Human Rights Adviser at the UN, Dr. Yunus stressed, “Proper documentation of these atrocities is essential to uncover the truth and deliver justice.”
Dr. Yunus made these remarks at the State Guest House Jamuna, where the UN officials were visiting to discuss human rights issues. Lewis assured that the UN was prepared to provide technical assistance and help Bangladesh build its capacity to address these concerns, noting that the process was vital for healing and establishing truth.
The Chief Adviser also expressed appreciation for the UN’s timely fact-finding report on human rights violations related to the July and August 2024 protests in Bangladesh, acknowledging the significant effort involved in its release.
Additionally, Lewis informed Dr. Yunus that the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, will present the findings on March 5 at the 55th session of the Human Rights Council.
Lewis also highlighted the challenges facing the Rohingya refugee crisis, urging global attention to the dwindling aid supplies. She expressed concern about the financial situation, noting that $15 million is needed each month just to meet the basic food requirements of the Rohingya population.
Looking ahead, Lewis hopes the visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Bangladesh, scheduled for March 13-16, will refocus the world’s attention on the Rohingya crisis.
