Bangladesh is facing international scrutiny following the release of a United Nations report detailing serious human rights violations committed during the government’s crackdown on mass protests in mid-2024. The protests, initially sparked by student demands for public sector employment reforms, quickly escalated into a nationwide movement calling for greater political freedom and accountability. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, described the situation as “The brutal response was a calculated and well-coordinated strategy by the former Government to hold onto power in the face of mass opposition.” Also, Mr. Türk emphasized that certain severe infractions outlined in the report may qualify as international crimes subject to adjudication by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

UN human rights chief Volker Türk visiting the Nitol Hospital in Bangladesh, where students received treatment after being shot while participating in last summer’s anti-government protests. © UNOHCHR (Anthony Headley)

A student revolt in July 2024 was violently put down at the beginning, killing at least 852 people. Some versions state that these deaths occurred between July 18–20 and August 4–7, during the two stages of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement rallies.The unrest began when students took to the streets to oppose the existing quota system for government jobs, which they argued was discriminatory and limited opportunities for young graduates. As protests gained momentum, demands expanded to include electoral reforms, media freedom, and justice for previous cases of police brutality. The situation intensified when law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and paramilitary forces, were deployed to contain demonstrations. Reports soon emerged of mass arrests, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and widespread torture of activists and political dissidents. Consequently, on 5th August 2024 UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, emphasized the need for a full, independent, impartial and transparent investigation into all acts of violence.

According to the UN report, published on 12th February 2025, a pattern of systematic violence was observed throughout the government’s response to the protests. Key findings include:

• Extrajudicial Executions: Several protesters and opposition leaders were allegedly executed without trial, often in staged encounters.
• Torture and Mistreatment: Detainees reported being beaten, electrocuted, and sexually abused while in custody.
• Mass Arrests and Enforced Disappearances: Human rights organizations estimate that thousands of protesters were detained, with many disappearing without a trace.
• Suppression of Free Speech: Journalists covering the protests faced threats, intimidation, and arbitrary arrests, while opposition-aligned media outlets were shut down or censored.
• Sexual Violence Against Female Protesters: Women participating in the demonstrations reported harassment and sexual violence by security forces as a tactic to silence female dissent.

The UN has called for an independent criminal investigation to hold those responsible accountable, stressing that these abuses could amount to crimes against humanity under international law.

International Reactions to 2024 Bangladesh quota reform movement

Previously, the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom have all expressed deep concerns over Bangladesh’s handling of the crisis. The European Union supports the United Nations’ request for an independent system to investigate “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial Killings”. Also, the European Union’s Foreign Policy Chief, Josep Borrell, condemned the “excessive use of force”  and mentioned that “The EU calls for calm and restraint. It is vital that an orderly and peaceful transition towards a democratically elected government is ensured, in full respect of human rights and democratic principles”.

In response to the violent suppression of protests, also the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom raised concerns on the violence ensuing from protests and asked both parties to “end the violence and find a peaceful way forward.” A White House spokesperson reaffirmed the United States’ support for democratic rights in Bangladesh, urging the formation of an inclusive and democratic interim government, while commending the Bangladeshi Army for its restraint. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller welcomed reports that the army resisted calls to crack down on lawful protesters, calling it a positive development. He further urged a lawful transition in accordance with Bangladesh’s legal framework and emphasized the need for full and transparent investigations into the deaths of dozens of protesters during the demonstrations.

Aftermath of the 2024 protests

Following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the political shift in Bangladesh, the country has witnessed notable changes in human rights protections and civil liberties. One of the most significant developments has been the release of numerous political prisoners, including opposition leaders and activists who had been detained during the government’s crackdown on protests. For instance, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, leader of the main opposition party, was released from years of house arrest. Additionally, individuals subjected to enforced disappearances have begun to resurface, with some reunited with their families after years in secret detention. Consequently, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to address past human rights violations and has established a commission to investigate enforced disappearances and political repression. This initiative has been welcomed by international human rights organizations, which have urged the government to ensure accountability and justice for victims.

However, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, believes  that accountability and justice are essential for national healing and the future of Bangladesh. He asserts that the best way forward for the country is to confront the horrific wrongs committed during this period through a comprehensive process of truth-telling, healing, and accountability. Stressing the need for long-term solutions, Türk urged Bangladesh to redress the legacies of serious human rights violations and establish safeguards to ensure such atrocities never happen again. “My Office stands ready to assist in this vital national accountability and reform process,” he affirmed, underscoring the UN’s commitment to supporting Bangladesh in its path toward justice and reconciliation.

Mohammad Mohseni