UN’s Volker Turk Calls for Peaceful Transition in Bangladesh Amid Protests and Resignation of PM Sheikh Hasina
Geneva [Switzerland], August 6: The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, emphasized the importance of a peaceful and transparent transition of power in Bangladesh. He stressed that the process should be inclusive and accountable, ensuring the participation of all citizens.
Volker Turk highlighted the need for the transition to be guided by human rights and international obligations. He called for those responsible for violence and injuries to be held accountable and urged for the release of arbitrarily detained individuals.
His statement comes as Bangladesh faces political turmoil following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina amid widespread protests. The protests, initially led by students against a quota system for government jobs, escalated into anti-government demonstrations.
Sheikh Hasina has traveled to India after resigning, and it remains unclear if she will stay in Delhi or move elsewhere. In response to the situation, Turk called for an independent investigation into alleged human rights violations since July.
Turk reiterated the need for justice and reform, emphasizing that Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations should guide the transitional authorities. He called for national healing and an end to violence, ensuring accountability and reparations for victims.
Following Hasina’s resignation, student leaders proposed an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus. Bangladesh President Mohammed Shahabuddin approved the formation of an interim government to address the country’s law and order situation.
A meeting at the presidential palace, Bangabhaban, included military chiefs, political leaders, and civil society members. The Army has been tasked with restoring order, which deteriorated after Hasina’s departure. Meanwhile, BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir announced that Tarique Rahman, the party’s acting chairman, will return to Bangladesh soon.
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UN -: The UN stands for the United Nations. It is an international organization that works to promote peace, security, and cooperation among countries.
Volker Turk -: Volker Turk is a person who works for the United Nations. He is the High Commissioner for Human Rights, which means he helps make sure people are treated fairly and their rights are protected.
Bangladesh -: Bangladesh is a country in South Asia, next to India. It has many people and is known for its rich culture and history.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina -: Sheikh Hasina is a leader in Bangladesh. She was the Prime Minister, which means she was in charge of the government.
Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus -: Dr. Muhammad Yunus is a famous person from Bangladesh who won the Nobel Prize. He is known for helping poor people by giving them small loans to start businesses.
BNP -: BNP stands for Bangladesh Nationalist Party. It is a political party in Bangladesh that has different ideas from the party of Sheikh Hasina.
Tarique Rahman -: Tarique Rahman is a leader in the BNP party. He is the acting chairman, which means he is temporarily in charge of the party.
