DHAKA: Bangladesh’s armed forces denied on Monday that United Nations pressure influenced their decision last year not to suppress protests that led to the ousting of former autocratic Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The military emphasized that its actions were independent and aimed at ensuring public safety.
A student-led uprising in August 2023 ended Hasina’s 15-year rule, with soldiers refraining from intervening as thousands of protesters marched on her palace, ultimately forcing her into exile. Last week, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk told the BBC that his office had warned Bangladesh’s military against cracking down on the protests, cautioning that such actions could lead to Bangladeshi soldiers being barred from UN peacekeeping missions.
In a statement, Bangladesh’s army refuted Turk’s claims, stating it had not received “any direct communication” from the UN regarding such warnings. The military described Turk’s remarks as a misrepresentation of its role, adding that they “potentially undermine its reputation, sacrifice, and professionalism.” The statement further emphasized that during the July-August 2023 protests, the army “stood by the people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.”
Bangladesh is one of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping missions worldwide, and its participation in these operations is a significant source of income for its soldiers. Turk, in his BBC interview, noted that student leaders had expressed gratitude to him during his visit to Bangladesh last year for the UN’s support during the protests. “The students were so grateful to us for taking a stand, speaking out, and supporting them,” he said.
The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights dispatched a fact-finding mission to Bangladesh last year to investigate the circumstances surrounding Hasina’s removal from power. A report published last month found “reasonable grounds to believe that the top echelons” of Hasina’s government had committed “very serious” human rights violations in their attempts to quell the protests that ultimately led to her downfall.
The military’s statement underscores its commitment to maintaining public order while denying any external influence on its decisions. The incident highlights the delicate balance between domestic political stability and international human rights obligations, particularly for nations heavily involved in global peacekeeping efforts.
