Diplomatic Correspondent

The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) fact-finding team has called for submissions regarding alleged human rights violations that took place in Bangladesh between 1 July and 15 August 2024.

This request is part of an independent investigation into the government's handling of protests during this period.

The information must be submitted by 30 September 2024 to OHCHR-FFTB-Submissions@un.org, according to a press release issued on Sunday by the Office of the United Nations Resident Coordinator in Bangladesh.

"Individuals, groups, and organizations are invited to submit information, particularly testimonies, documents, photos, or videos, that are not available on social media or in public reports," read the press release.

The OHCHR fact-finding team emphasized that submissions should be focused on "serious violations" such as arbitrary arrests, extrajudicial killings, torture, and suppression of free speech.

The team also plans to conduct interviews with victims, law enforcement officers, medical practitioners, and witnesses.

"We guarantee that the privacy of individuals providing information will be fully respected, and submissions can be made anonymously," read the press release.

The fact-finding team is mandated to establish facts, identify responsibilities, analyze root causes, and make concrete recommendations for Bangladesh to address past human rights violations and prevent their recurrence, according to the press release.

“The fact-finding is not a criminal investigation and is conducted independently of any national criminal justice process,” read the press release.

After its on-site examination and data analysis, the UN Human Rights Office will publish a detailed human rights report containing key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

Meanwhile, an eight-member fact-finding team will be in Bangladesh for four weeks, conducting investigations in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rangpur, and other divisional cities, diplomatic sources said.

Two team members have already arrived in Dhaka, with the remaining members joining in the next few days, they added.

The formal investigation will begin on Tuesday, and the team will work independently, with findings expected to be submitted to the interim government by the end of November.

The fact-finding mission was launched at the request of the interim government led by Chief Advisor Dr Muhammad Yunus, following the fall of the Awami League government on 5 August 2024.

Already, an advance team visited the country from August 22 to 29, meeting student leaders of the recent protests, many of whom were detained or injured in recent weeks.

UN preliminary reports indicate that over 650 people were killed between 16 July and 11 August during the protests and related violence.