Wed Feb 12 11:38:35 UTC 2025: ## U.N. Accuses Bangladesh’s Former Government of Crimes Against Humanity

**Geneva, Switzerland –** A damning United Nations report released Wednesday accuses officials from Bangladesh’s former government and security forces of systematically committing serious human rights violations against protesters last summer. The report, presented by U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, suggests that crimes against humanity may have been committed amidst a climate of fear and widespread arrests.

The protests, initially student-led demonstrations against public sector job quotas, escalated into a nationwide uprising that forced the resignation and flight to India of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. The U.N. report details an alleged official policy to violently repress anti-government protesters and their sympathizers, citing testimony from senior Bangladeshi officials and other evidence.

The report highlights the brutality of the crackdown, with Mr. Turk stating that 78% of the over 1,000 deaths resulted from military gunfire. Many others sustained severe injuries. The U.N. is calling for an urgent criminal investigation into these violations.

Ms. Hasina, who governed Bangladesh since 2009, is now under investigation for various crimes, including crimes against humanity, genocide, murder, corruption, and money laundering. Dhaka has requested her extradition from India, where she currently resides. Ms. Hasina and her Awami League party deny any wrongdoing. The interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, invited the U.N. fact-finding mission to Bangladesh. The situation remains tense, with reports of continued unrest and property damage.

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