On 14 November, UN experts said that “As Bangladesh heads towards national elections in early 2024, we expect a sharp increase in political violence, including the arrest of senior opposition leaders, the mass arbitrary detention of thousands of political activists, Very troubled by the use of excessive force. There was an internet shutdown by authorities to disrupt the protests, and allegations of harassment, intimidation, and unlawful detention of family members were made in retaliation.
According to Bangladeshi human rights observers, security forces have disappeared more than 600 people since 2009. While some people were later released, tried in court, or killed, about 100 people remain missing. Families of victims describe a refusal by police and other security forces to file complaints or conduct legitimate investigations, sometimes even citing “orders from above”.
During the UPR, several member states stated that the Government of Bangladesh should ratify the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. In response, the Bangladesh delegation said the government needed to invest in capacity building “to meet the obligations arising from national institutions” before becoming party to the convention.
As a first step, the Government of Bangladesh should accept an offer of support from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a “special mechanism to investigate allegations of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and to support victims, families and civil society.” “Works together.” Killings,” Human Rights Watch said.
In its last UPR review (2018), the Government of Bangladesh claimed that it had “responded favorably to requests for meetings of the Working Group on Enforced Disappearances.” However, five years later, the government is still refusing to invite the UN working group to visit Bangladesh, while former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Michelle Bachelet, called on Bangladesh to “decisively address this issue”. It was urged to do so “to show commitment”.
The government should also invite other relevant United Nations experts – including the Working Group on Arbitrary Detention, the Special Rapporteur on extrajudicial, summary or arbitrary executions, and the Special Rapporteur on torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment, or punishment. – To investigate and make appropriate recommendations to ensure justice and accountability.
Human Rights Watch said recent allegations of torture in police custody underscore its prevalence and a culture of impunity for security forces. Such acts include: beatings; electric shocks; waterboarding; intentionally shooting to maim, including kneeling; Mock Execution; And forced nudity. Hundreds of people have become victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
Bangladesh has had only one conviction for torture under the Torture and Custodial Deaths (Prevention) Act, passed a decade ago, according to a report submitted to the council. Bangladesh has ignored repeated requests to implement the recommendations of the UN Committee against Torture as required.