Unlawful Killings and Detentions, by the Hasina Government Must End

Nepali human rights and civil society activists, have been shocked by the Bangladeshi authorities' use of unlawful force against student protestors, amid 14 days of shutdown and communication restrictions, in what started as the quota reform protests.

 Nepali human rights and civil society activists said in an statemanet from Kathmandu on July 29.

They said they were deeply disturbed by the unlawful killings, possible enforced disappearances, and the torture and detention of thousands of people, and by the reports of targeted attacks, threats, intimidation, and retaliation by the authorities and government-aligned groups against protesters, political activists, human rights workers, and journalists. Given the extremely repressive nature of the Bangladeshi authorities' response to the protests, we are alarmed and concerned also that the withdrawal statement by one group of student coordinators, made while in police custody yesterday, was done under duress.

 

They strongly condemn the ruthless crackdown on protesters, the deployment of the army, and the government’s issuing of shoot-on-sight orders. We also condemn the curfew and the nationwide shutdown of internet access, which continued for more than a week. Amnesty International’s verification and analysis of what little video and photographic evidence has come out of the country clearly shows incidents of the lethal use of assault rifles and pellet guns by law enforcement agencies against the protesters and the dangerous use of tear gas within an enclosed space. There has also been a clear failure to provide medical assistance to the wounded and, furthermore, attacks within hospitals by government-aligned groups.

 

'The Bangladeshi authorities have shown an absolute intolerance of dissent. This must end and it is also high time that world leaders and the United Nations do everything in their power to end the violence against those who are exercising their right to protest. Furthermore, at a people-to-people level, Bangladeshis need our solidarity. The lack of this solidarity also made it difficult for the stories of government suppression to be disseminated outside of Bangladesh during the long period of communications shutdown,' the added

In that statemanet they call on the Government of Bangladesh to:

End immediately the violent crackdown, release all protesters, and ensure full accountability for human rights violations against protesters along with due process.
Lift immediately the shoot-on-sight order, fully restore internet access across the country, and end use of the army and paramilitary forces in the policing of protests.
Uphold the right to peaceful protest and freedom of assembly as enshrined in international human rights instruments and the Constitution of Bangladesh.
Promptly conduct a credible, independent, and impartial investigation into all human rights violations committed by security forces, including the high death toll of protesters, ensuring that all those responsible are held to account.
Provide full reparations by the state to victims of unlawful use of force by law-enforcement agencies and government-aligned groups, including those who have been injured and family members of those who have been killed.
Ensure full restoration of internet and telecommunications across the country

Signatories:
Abil Bista
Ajit Acharya
Arjun Dhakal
Ashirbad Subedi
Bhawaraj Regmi
Bijaya Gautam
Bikash Basnet
Charan Prasai
Dinesh Tripathi
Dr. Gopal Krishna Siwakoti
Hari Sharma
Himali Dixit
Jit Ram Lama
Kanak Mani Dixit
Manissa Taylor
Nayantara Gurung Kakshapati
Neetu Pokharel
Nishant Jung Singh
Prem Sapkota
Purushottam Aryal
R. K. Romas
Raju Chapagain
Roney Maharjan
Som Niroula
Sujit Saxena
Sundar Seni
Sushil Pyakurel
Tika Prasad Dhakal
Trilotam Paudel
Usha Titikshu