In a recent meeting with high-level United Nations representatives, Chief Adviser of the interim government, Professor Muhammad Yunus, stressed the importance of meticulously preserving records of all atrocities committed during the tenure of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
He emphasized that failing to preserve these records would hinder the quest for truth and justice.
During a meeting held at the State Guest House Jamuna on Sunday, March 2, Yunus met with United Nations Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis and UN Human Rights Expert Huma Khan.
He made a public call for the proper documentation of atrocities, including the crackdown on demonstrators at Shapla Square, police brutality following the verdict of Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, and the numerous extrajudicial killings that have occurred over the years.
“It is crucial to properly preserve all records of atrocities committed against the people of the country. If this is not done, it will be difficult to know the truth and ensure justice,” Yunus remarked.
His office released a press statement after the meeting, reaffirming his commitment to safeguarding the evidence of these human rights abuses.
Gwyn Lewis, representing the United Nations, assured that the global body is ready to assist Bangladesh with technical support and capacity-building efforts to preserve these critical documents.
“This is part of the process of healing and establishing truth,” Lewis said, underscoring the importance of documentation in achieving justice for the victims.
The conversation also touched on the findings of the United Nations’ investigative report on human rights violations during the July coup.
Yunus expressed his gratitude for the report, acknowledging the challenges faced in producing such a comprehensive document.
"We are very pleased that the UN published this report; it came at the right time. It wasn’t an easy task," he added.
Looking forward, Lewis informed Yunus that the report would be presented by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, at the UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva on March 5.
This report is expected to draw significant global attention to the ongoing human rights situation in Bangladesh.
Another pressing issue raised during the meeting was the ongoing Rohingya refugee crisis, as aid for the displaced community continues to decline.
Lewis shared her concerns, stating, “We are very concerned about the funding situation. Every month, $15 million is needed just to ensure food supply, along with the costs of other basic needs.”
She expressed optimism that the upcoming visit of UN Secretary-General António Guterres to Bangladesh, scheduled from March 13 to 16, would reignite international attention and support for the crisis.
With the situation in Bangladesh growing increasingly complex, Yunus` call for the preservation of records and the involvement of the UN underscores the urgency of ensuring justice for the many victims of these atrocities.
The meeting highlighted the role of international organizations in helping Bangladesh navigate these challenging times while ensuring that human rights violations are neither forgotten nor ignored.
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