Abrar Hussain of DOT
The UN human rights body has urged Bangladesh authorities to probe “promptly, independently, impartially and effectively” into all alleged human rights violations over the recent general elections, according to a report on Saturday by UNB.
The rights body also laid emphasis on holding accountable those responsible, regardless of their political affiliations.
“We also call on the National Human Rights Commission (Bangladesh) to play an independent and proactive role,” said Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights at a briefing note in Geneva on Friday.
“We call on the authorities to take urgent measures to prevent further reprisals, and to ensure that law enforcement authorities exercise their powers strictly in accordance with the rule of law and principles of legality and proportionality,” said the Spokesperson at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights which is the leading UN entity on human rights.
Ravina expressed concern that reprisals have continued to take place, especially against any political opposition, including physical attacks and ill-treatment, arbitrary arrests, harassment, disappearances and filing of criminal cases.
The Spokesperson also laid emphasis on unhindered freedom of expression in the country.
On the other hand, Awami League President and re-elected Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina received global appraisal on her party’s third consecutive win in the December 30 election.
Meanwhile, the Jatiya Party, led by HM Ershad, bagged 22 seats and BNP-led Jatiya Oikyafront got only seven seats. Independent candidates won three.