Khalid Saifullah :
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet concluded her four-day visit to Bangladesh on 17th August afternoon. It was the first visit of a UN rights chief to Bangladesh. Bachelet passed four busy days in Bangladesh, traveling here and there to assess Bangladesh’s human rights situation and meet all stakeholders. Bachelet also traveled to Cox’s Bazaar, a Bangladesh border district where the Rohingya live in the camp. Immediately before her departure on 17th August, Bachelet held a press conference in the afternoon and talked with the journalists about her findings and assessments. Bachelet’s press conference and statement suggest that the visit was fruitful. As an international stakeholder, the UN human rights body is willing to cooperate with Bangladesh to uphold its human rights situation. Against this backdrop, let’s focus on the significance of Bachelet’s visit to Bangladesh.
Bachelet visited Bangladesh from 14th to 17th August. During her four days official visit, she met with the Prime Minister, several concerned ministers, the opposition parties, the rights activists and relevant stakeholders, civil societies, and the National Human Rights Commission. During the meetings, she tried to understand the current human rights situations and asked about the human rights issues. During her meetings, the ministers presented their stances about the allegations, such as extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, and political violence. The discussions also covered Digital Security Act and the latest OTT act draft.
She also visited Rohingya camps in Cox’s Bazaar, where she talked with the refugees, camp management, and the organizations working there.
And finally, before her departure, the visit concluded with a press conference with Bachelet presenting her assessment, where she both lauded the positive developments and expressed concerns about issues that need to be addressed.
Considering the democratic backsliding and deteriorating human rights situation worldwide, Bachelet’s visit holds immense significance for Bangladesh. For the past few years, allegations have been brought against Bangladesh in the international sphere about various human rights violations. In December 2021, the United States also sanctioned the country’s elite law enforcement agency, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and 7 of its current and former top officials over the allegation of extrajudicial killing. Many domestic and international activists also raised concerns about enforced disappearance and growing violence. However, the government repeatedly denied the allegations and urged the international agencies to visit and assess the situation themselves. In this context, Bachelet’s visit is crucial to improve the country’s overall human rights situation.
The visit was also significant for the Rohingya community. As Bachelet visited the camp, she would understand the condition and plights of the Rohingya as international attention is decreasing drastically. She learned about the deteriorating camp situation due to gang politics and transnational crimes. She also learned that the security measures are more stringent than before. Her visit to the camp also revealed some interesting findings. She learned that gender violence had decreased significantly within the camp. According to the news report, the Rohingya also expressed that even though they are now in a better condition than Rakhine, Bangladesh is not their country. They want to go back to Rakhine. They also requested her to ensure a peaceful Rakhine. Hence, during the meeting, the Rohingya refugees got the chance to present their issues, and Bachelet got the opportunity to understand the ground realities and the need for repatriation. Her press statement also mentioned the demand for repatriation, and she expressed that they will have to be patient as the situation is not ideal in Myanmar. She also found that the Burmese curriculum education energizes and inspires the Rohingya children about their future opportunities.
Bachelet found many positive developments in Bangladesh’s Human Rights situation. Bachelet lauded Bangladesh’s upward trend in women’s rights in the statement. She praised Bangladesh’s improvement in education and gender parity in education. She also appreciated Bangladesh for legally recognizing the Hijras. She also mentioned that the Chittagong Hill Tract agreement in 1996 was an important achievement for Bangladesh in protecting minorities and indigenous people. She also praised Bangladesh’s economic growth as it aligns with Sustainable Development Goal.
However, Bachelet also expressed various concerns. She mentioned her concern about minority rights, extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearance, and lack of accountability. She also raised concerns about the Digital Security (DSA) Act and OTT act. But, she acknowledged that the DSA is essential for protecting the citizens. She urged these laws should meet international standards.
Through the visit, the rights chief also offered Bangladesh assistance to improve the concerned issues. During the statement, she mentioned that her office is ready to advise and assist Bangladesh regarding these issues. During her meeting with the law minister of Bangladesh, she also proposed a rudimentary plan for providing human rights training to law enforcement officials, and the minister accepted immediately.
Bachelet’s visit and the press statement provided an overall scenario of the human rights situation from her perspective. Improving human rights is a continuous process that requires local and global interaction. Bachelet also found the chance to assess the situation firsthand, provide recommendations, and offer assistance. Meaningful dialogues and engagement are pre-requisite for Human Rights activism. Therefore, Bangladesh will be highly beneficial from this visit.
(Khalid Saifullah is an independent researcher).
