Nearly 650 people killed in recent spate of violence in Bangladesh: UN report

UN reports nearly 650 killed in Bangladesh unrest, calls for impartial investigation and restoration of law and order.

Nearly 650 people have been killed in the recent unrest in Bangladesh between July 16, 2024, and August 11, 2024, the United Nations (UN) Human Rights Office has said in a preliminary report — suggesting a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into reports of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests and detentions.

According to the 10-page report titled “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh”, nearly 400 deaths were reported between July 16 and August 4, while around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between August 5 and 6, leading to the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The available public reports by the media and the protest movement itself claimed that between July 16 and August 11, more than 600 people were killed due to the wave of violence following the Anti-Discriminatory Student demonstrations.

The number of reported killings in revenge attacks since that time remains to be determined, the report said that was released on Friday (August 16, 2024) in Geneva.

Several deaths were reported between August 7 and 11, including those who died while undergoing medical treatment for injuries sustained in the violence, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) report suggested.

“Those killed include protesters, bystanders, journalists and several security forces personnel”, it said, adding that thousands of protesters and bystanders were injured, with hospitals overwhelmed by the influx of patients.

The report said the reported death toll was likely an underestimate as information collection faced a hindrance from restrictions on movement due to the curfew and the internet shutdown.