Last July, student protests that began over a quota system for public service jobs in Bangladesh quickly escalated into widespread demonstrations, which were violently repressed by national security forces.
After the resignation of the former prime minister, she fled the country for India. A UN-led investigation into alleged crimes found that 1,400 people – including many children – may have been killed and thousands injured during July and August last year.
TO ‘moment for the victims‘
OHCHR described the verdict as “an important moment for the victims of the serious violations committed during the repression of protests last year.”
Since the publication of its report in February 2025, OHCHR has been calling for perpetrators – including people in command and leadership positions – to be held accountable in accordance with international standards and for victims to have access to effective remedies and reparations.
The report found that Bangladesh’s previous administration attempted to systematically suppress protests with increasingly violent means to remain in power.
“The testimonies and evidence we gathered paint a disturbing picture of rampant state violence and targeted killings. which are among the most serious violations of human rights and may also constitute international crimes,” UN human rights chief Volker Türk said in February.
“Accountability and justice are essential for national healing and for the future of Bangladesh.”
End the death penalty
OHCHR has consistently called for procedures that “unquestionably” meet international standards of due process and fair trial, the agency said in its response.
As part of its work, the office advocates for the universal abolition of the death penalty, and over the years, multiple UN resolutions have been passed to protect the rights of those facing the death penalty.
The trial against Ms. Hasina and Mr. Khan was conducted in absentia and led to a capital sentence, making international standards “particularly vital,” the office continued.
Türk hopes that Bangladesh will now move forward with a comprehensive process of “truth-telling, reparation and justice as a path towards reconciliation and national healing.”
He called for calm “and for everyone to act with restraint in response to these events.”