In order to address human rights violations, RRAG is seeking a country office during the visit of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to Bangladesh

INN/New Delhi, @Infodeaofficial

In its submission, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) urged Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, who is currently in Bangladesh, to exert pressure on the country’s interim government to permit the UN human rights office to establish a country mission in Bangladesh that would have complete and unfettered access to the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) in order to address human rights violations in the nation.

The RRAG drew attention to the Interim Government of Bangladesh’s failure to release the findings of the inquiry commission led by Additional Divisional Commissioner of Chittagong Muhammad Nurullah Noori into the violence committed against indigenous peoples in Dighinala, Khagrachari, and Rangamati between September 19 and October 1, 2024, as well as Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus’s declaration that the next elected government would deal with the issues facing the indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. At least four indigenous people were killed in these attacks by the Bangladesh Army and the illegal settlers, at least 75 indigenous Jumma people suffered significant injuries, and at least 142 homes, businesses, and Buddhist temples were plundered, burned, or set on fire.

Unprecedented acts of violence against Hindu minorities have also occurred, with no one held accountable. From August 5–20, 2024, the Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Oikya Parishad reported 2,010 instances of sectarian violence, while the daily Prothom Alo reported damage to 1,068 homes, businesses, and 22 places of worship. Bangladesh Police said that at least 35 events related to the Durga Puja celebrations occurred between October 1 and October 11, 2024, despite the fact that they were given unparalleled security during that time.

By declaring that the Peace Accord will be implemented by the upcoming elected government, Noble Laureate Dr. Mohammed Yunus has, on the one hand, absolved himself of responsibility for the indigenous peoples of the Chittagong Hill Tracts. However, he has failed to conduct an investigation into the violence against religious minorities. According to Dr. Yunus, these attacks occurred as a result of their loyalty to the Awami League. The creation of the Constitutional Reforms Commission, which did not include a single representative of an indigenous people or religious minority, reflects this discriminatory posture towards these groups. These problems should be resolved.- said RRAG Director Mr. Suhas Chakma.

The RRAG also voiced concerns regarding Bangladesh’s judiciary’s complete lack of independence. Twelve High Court judges have been refused judicial assignments due to the alleged student protests, while five Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, were dismissed. The judge will be subject to the wrath of the mob justice in the name of the students if they dare to free any activist or politician associated with the Awami League or the regime of former Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina.

“Those accused in a variety of circumstances are being impacted by the judiciary’s lack of independence. About 1,94,000 people—26,268 named and 1,68,000 unnamed—were charged in roughly 268 FIRs as of August 31, 2024. Additionally, at least 54 journalists who were thought to have supported Hasina’s previous administration were accused with a number of charges, including crimes against humanity and genocide, for their reportage. Thousands of unidentified people would suffer from false prosecution unless the proceedings of the filed FIRs are halted and a Committee of the Public Prosecutors is constituted to evaluate each FIR lodged.Additionally, Mr. Chakma said.

At least 43 prominent criminals and militants, including Mufti Jashimuddin Rahmani, the leader of the Ansarullah Bangla Team, an Al-Qaeda-inspired militant group now known as Ansar al Islam, who was found guilty of the murder of blogger Rajib Haider, have been released on bail despite numerous outstanding cases, the RRAG expressed concern, even as innocent people are being prosecuted. The home ministry released 23 top terrorists on December 26, 2001, including Sanjidul Islam alias Emon, Imamul Hasan Helal alias Picchi Helal of Mohammadpur, Sheikh Mohammad Aslam alias Sweden Aslam of Tejgaon, and Abbas Ali alias “Killer Abbas” of Mirpur.

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