UN rights chief ‘deeply concerned’ over abuse allegations in Bangladesh

DHAKA, Bangladesh (AA) – The UN high commissioner for human rights expressed deep concern Wednesday over allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture in police custody and enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.

Michelle Bachelet, the first UN rights chief to visit Bangladesh, told journalists at a press conference in the capital Dhaka, that despite progress in the country on some issues like migration and climate change, enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are “still a matter of great concern” for international rights defenders, including the United Nations.

She added that during her four-day visit, she met with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several ministers, including the home and foreign ministers, as well as officials of the National Human Rights Commission, representatives of civil society, members of the diplomatic community and academics.

“I had raised the concerns in all meetings,” Bachelet said, adding the delegation from her office had also met with other stakeholders, including trade unions and political parties.

Regarding the more than one million Rohingya refugees in Bangladeshi camps, Bachelet expressed concern over safety and security issues.

She said it is the fundamental right of Rohingya to repatriate to their home country of Myanmar with rights and dignity. But before their peaceful repatriation, she called on the Bangladeshi authorities to create a more comfortable environment for them in both Cox’s Bazar and on the distant island of Bhasan Char.