Dhaka – UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Wednesday urged the authorities in Bangladesh to ensure that serious human rights violations like alleged extrajudicial killings are immediately halted and perpetrators brought to justice.The killings began after the government announced a “zero tolerance” policy to confront the growing consumption of drugs in the country, particularly the spread of methamphetamine, according to a statement received from Geneva.
“I’m gravely concerned that such a large number of people have been killed, and that the government reaction has been to assure the public that none of these individuals were ‘innocent’ but mistakes can occur in an anti-narcotics drive,” High Commissioner Zeid said.
Some 130 people have reportedly been shot dead by security forces across Bangladesh in the three weeks since May 15 and another 13,000 arrested, the UN said.
The High Commissioner called on the government of Bangladesh to investigate the reports of extrajudicial killings, and stressed that there must not be impunity for human rights violations in the name of drug control.
Zeid also expressed concern that already vulnerable communities living in slums were particularly being targeted and had been subjected to numerous raids.
The crackdown has reportedly also seriously hampered the ability of people who use drugs to access health services, as they fear that they will be arrested or even killed if they seek treatment at Drop-In Centres.
During its Universal Period Review before the UN Human Rights Council on May 14, Bangladesh undertook to investigate reports of extrajudicial executions, arbitrary arrests and other serious violations.
The developments since that date, with increasing reports of such human rights violations, are deeply worrying.
“Bangladesh deserves to be commended for its tremendous support for Rohingya refugees, setting an example for the world,” Zeid said. “I urge the Government to build on this respect for human rights in other areas, including in its fight against drug-related crimes.”UNB
