JMBF believes that the violence and loss of life witnessed by the Bangladeshi people are deeply troubling and demands immediate action to ensure that those responsible for these atrocities are held accountable.
According to reports from various media outlets, approximately 700 people—including student protesters and their allies, journalists, members of law enforcement, and individuals associated with the then-ruling Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings—have tragically lost their lives in this wave of violence.
The unrest began when members of the Bangladesh Chhatra League attacked peaceful participants in the Anti-Discriminatory Student Movement, with law enforcement agencies exacerbating the situation by opening fire. Following the escape of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, 2024, the violence escalated into widespread chaos, including looting, arson, and targeted attacks on religious minorities and members of the former ruling party.
Hindus and other minority communities have been particularly vulnerable, suffering from horrific acts including killings, rapes, and the destruction of temples, homes, and businesses. Additionally, there have been reports of revenge killings targeting members of the former ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League, and police officers.
The UN OHCHR team currently in Dhaka is engaging with the interim government, advisors, ministries, civil society, and a broad section of Bangladesh’s society to understand the country’s priorities for promoting human rights. The team is also exploring how the Office of the High Commissioner can assist in fact-finding and investigations, supporting national processes as they move forward.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), stated, "The fact-finding investigation planned by the UN OHCHR should encompass not only the killings and injuries inflicted on student protesters but also the widespread violence against religious minorities, as well as incidents of injury, arson, looting, vandalism, and political reprisals against members of the former ruling party, Bangladesh Awami League."
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France, added, "It is urgent and essential to bring to justice all those responsible for these human rights violations and acts of violence, regardless of their affiliation. This is crucial for restoring peace and stability in Bangladesh."
JMBF urges the UN OHCHR to ensure that the investigation into these incidents is thorough, impartial, and transparent, to restore the faith of the Bangladeshi people in the rule of law. We trust that the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights will take all necessary steps to ensure justice and uphold the rule of law.
Thank you,
Advocate Shahanur Islam
Founder President
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF)
107 Rue Gallieni, 93000 Bobigny, France
Email: info@jmbf.org | Website: www.jmbf.org
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JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.
All Bangladeshi We want impartial investigation before and after 5 August the fall of Sheikh Hasina Government including killing, arson, looting and targeted attacks on religious minorities and members of former ruling party.
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