Bangladesh Roundup: Hasina supporters beaten, India ties, UN visit
'Genocide' probe against Hasina begins
Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and nine others are under investigation for genocide and crimes against humanity during a mass movement against her government. The complaints accuse them of orchestrating a violent crackdown on student protesters, resulting in widespread casualties and human rights violations, NDTV reports. The investigation outcome will be communicated to the tribunal within seven days. Over 230 people died in the violence following the fall of the Hasina government, and a caretaker government has been formed to address administrative and political reforms.
Persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed hope that the situation in violence-hit Bangladesh will soon normalize. He noted that 140 crore Indians are concerned about the safety of Hindus and minorities there. According to BS, during his Independence Day speech, Modi emphasised India's commitment to peace and support for Bangladesh's development. His remarks come amid concerns over attacks on the Hindu community in Bangladesh, following Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina's resignation and flight to India on August 5 after weeks of unrest.
UN team's visit
A UN fact-finding team will visit Bangladesh to investigate atrocities committed during deadly protests that toppled the prime minister. The unrest left at least 300 people dead and thousands injured, with more than 11,000 people arrested. The new interim government, led by Nobel-winning economist Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to prioritise human rights and seek UN cooperation to rebuild the country. This will be the first time the UN has sent a fact-finding mission to investigate human rights abuses in Bangladesh. Former prime minister Sheikh Hasina is facing charges of murder, genocide, and crimes against humanity, Arab News reports.
Students attack Hasina supporters
Student protesters and political activists in Bangladesh attacked supporters of ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to guard the student-led “revolution” and prevent them from reaching the house of her father, the assassinated independence leader Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. As reported by Aljazeera, Hasina's government was accused of human rights abuses and the UN is set to investigate the atrocities committed during the protests that led to her ouster.
Experts surprised by Bangladeshi 'revolution'
The recent Bangladesh crisis surprised India, highlighting the need to rethink its neighbourhood strategy. Experts advise India to develop its political, economic, and military power independently to become a credible force in the region. The Hindu also emphasises the importance of maintaining control over the Indian Ocean Region and collaborating with neighbouring countries to prevent intelligence failures in the future. The potential involvement of China in Bangladesh adds a new layer of complexity to the situation, requiring India to tread carefully in the coming months.
