Bangladesh army increases patrols, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights concerned

The Bangladesh government's curfew came into effect at midnight on July 19 and the prime minister's office asked the army to deploy forces.

Bangladeshi army on the streets of the capital Dhaka on the morning of July 20, 2024. (Source: AFP)

Bangladeshi soldiers were deployed on July 20 to patrol cities to quell growing civil unrest sparked by student protests.

Armed forces spokesman Shahdat Hossain said “troops have been deployed nationwide to control the law and order situation”.

The curfew will be in effect until at least 10 a.m. on July 21, private television station Channel 24 reported. The streets of the capital Dhaka were nearly deserted at dawn, with soldiers and armored vehicles patrolling the sprawling megacity of 20 million people.

UN human rights chief Volker Turk said on July 19 he was deeply concerned about the violence this week in Bangladesh, calling the attacks on students "unacceptable".

“There must be fair, prompt and comprehensive investigations into these attacks and those responsible must be held accountable,” Mr. Turk said in a statement.

Mr Turk now calls on all sides to exercise restraint and asks security forces to ensure any use of force is in strict compliance with international human rights law. “I am also deeply concerned by reports of the deployment of paramilitary police units such as the Bangladesh Border Guard or Rapid Action Unit,” he said. “I call on the Bangladesh government to take steps to ensure the safety of students during peaceful protests and to ensure the right to freedom of assembly without fear of death.”

According to Mr. Turk, Bangladeshi political leaders must work with the country's youth to find solutions to the ongoing challenges and focus on the country's growth and development. Dialogue is the best and only way forward.

Bangladeshi police stepped up their violent crackdown this week on weeks of student protests demanding reforms to civil service recruitment rules. Clashes between student protesters and police have claimed at least 105 lives, posing a major challenge to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government after 15 years in power.

Source: https://baoquocte.vn/quan-doi-bangladesh-tang-cuong-tuan-tra-cao-uy-nhan-quyen-lhq-quan-ngai-279437.html