Reforms must be durable, not to repeat abusive practices: Volker

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk emphasized that the reforms envisioned by Bangladesh's interim government must be sustainable to prevent abuses of power reprised in the past decades.

"This time, there must be justice. This time, reforms must be sustainable and durable, so that the abusive practices of the last decades are not repeated," he stated during a press briefing as he concluded his inaugural two-day official visit to Bangladesh.

Turk highlighted the country's current opportunity for fundamental change, which he said could set a new course in governance, development, and economic policy anchored in human rights.

He noted the heightened expectations, inspired by recent social movements, to establish a solid foundation aimed at ending divisiveness, discrimination, and impunity.

"Inequality, cycles of revenge and retribution, marginalization, corruption, and serious human rights violations must be relegated to the past," he remarked, underscoring the need to break these entrenched patterns.

The high commissioner also affirmed his office's commitment to supporting Bangladesh in achieving these goals, stating, "UN Human Rights Office is ready to do everything for Bangladesh to succeed in this regard."

He welcomed the recent statements by Chief Advisor Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus reaffirming the country's dedication to human rights, social justice, and accountability.

Turk noted Chief Adviser's acknowledgment of the need for comprehensive reforms across institutions, including law enforcement, and the importance of addressing economic inequalities.

He commended the swift establishment of various commissions aimed at recommending reforms in key areas such as judiciary, electoral system, administration, police, constitutional affairs, and the Anti-Corruption Commission.

Additional commissions, he said, are reportedly being formed to address pressing issues related to health, media, labour rights, and women's affairs.

"In my discussions today with several of the commissioners, we discussed the importance of trust-building, inclusivity and the lessons that Bangladesh can draw from experiences in other countries that have grappled with similar issues," he said.

All these reforms, he said, could be a powerful step towards easing decades of intense political division in Bangladesh and curbing the patronage politics that have weakened its democratic foundations.

"The pursuit of justice for the brutal violence against protesters and other people - including children - killed and seriously wounded in July and August is a priority," he added. 

Turk underscored the need for investigation into all killings in Bangladesh, while urging the protection of freedom of assembly, expression of opinion, and political participation.

"Any killing needs to be investigated. We can't allow killings to happen," he said in response to a question during a media briefing.

He said it is vital that criminal cases are not filed against individuals solely on the basis of their previous political affiliation, including members or supporters of Awami League. 

He said there are concerns that some charges are not founded on proper investigation, including a large number of murder charges against journalists. "It is important not to repeat the patterns of the past," the UN right chief warned. 

Turk welcomed the creation of a committee by the interim government to look into this matter as "a tool to address the possible proliferation of false cases. It is essential to prioritize due process".

Turk said criminal justice is key, but it is crucial to ensure that charges are not brought in haste, and that due process and fair trial standards are upheld throughout, including in the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). 

"I found the interim government to be aware of the problems with the proceedings in the International Crimes Tribunal in the past," he added. 

He hoped that there would also be a public discussion on the use of the death penalty in the future. "My own view, informed by the law and by evidence, is clear: the death penalty should be relegated to the past," he observed. 

He said that students conveyed him that they had no choice but to take to the streets as there was no outlet through the state's mechanisms for their concerns to be heard. 

"To restore social cohesion and trust in institutions of the state, it will be crucial to rebuild the civic space that was progressively strangled in recent years," he said, adding "This will require reforming repressive laws, as well as state institutions that have been in the habit of stifling dissent." 

He said only systemic change will ensure that the freedoms of expression, of association and peaceful assembly and the right to political participation are respected. 

Turk welcomed steps taken to repeal the Cyber Security Act, and to withdraw old cases of speech crimes under this law and the Digital Security Act. 

"An inclusive approach, where every voice is heard and valued irrespective of class, gender, race, political ideology, identity or religion, will be key - reflecting the aspirations and diversity of the movement that sparked this transition," said the high commissioner. 

Noting that women are at the heart of social justice movements, including the protests in July, he said women must be at the forefront during the transition and beyond. 

"The participation of ethnic and religious minorities in the reform structures, as well as of indigenous people, is also crucial," he said. 

He commended the efforts made by students and others to protect minorities. 

After any period of repression, upheaval and violence, Turk said there need to be a national process of truth and healing to move forward. 

The legitimate pain and anger of victims, their loved ones, and society-at-large requires a comprehensive approach that includes fair criminal trials, truth-seeking processes, reparations for victims and initiatives to memorialize and preserve the history, he added. 

Turk welcomed Bangladesh's ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances, and the appointment of a commission of inquiry. 

And UN fact-finding mission is investigating allegations of attacks against minorities between 5 and 15 August. 

He emphasized the need for authorities to respond promptly to such incidents, with thorough investigations and accountability measures to foster trust within minority communities.

"This will help build trust with minority communities, especially in light of troubling campaigns of misinformation and disinformation as well as hate campaigns on social media," he said. 

Acknowledging the challenges Bangladesh's interim government faces, including economic, social, political, and rule of law concerns, Trk called for a continued commitment to the momentum for change sparked by recent student protests.

"Realizing the promise of human rights will demand courage and resilience, but it will foster trust and help heal deep-rooted divisions," he said, emphasizing the importance of steering these changes with human rights as the guiding compass.

"I was encouraged that in many of my discussions, there was a call for enhanced support of my office, including through a strengthened presence. We look forward to concluding the discussions on the modalities of our enhanced presence in Bangladesh with the interim government," he said. 

He termed the Bangladesh interim government's invitation to deploy a UN fact-finding mission on human rights violations in the context of protests which took place in July and August this year was an important initiative by the interim authorities. 

Turk met Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus and advisers before wrapping up his two-day visit.