UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has urged the Bangladesh government to honour its commitment to democracy and human rights. Expressing deep concern, he highlighted that the polling environment during Sunday’s 12th parliamentary elections was tainted by violence and suppression of opposing candidates and their supporters.

Türk stressed the necessity of conducting a thorough investigation into any breaches of the law and irregularities that occurred during both the campaign period and on the day of the twelfth parliamentary election.

“In the months leading up to the vote, thousands of opposition supporters were detained arbitrarily or subjected to intimidation. Such tactics are not conducive to a truly genuine process,” said Türk.

He said, “I implore the Government to take the necessary steps to ensure that the human rights of all Bangladeshis are fully taken into account, and to strengthen the underpinnings of a truly inclusive democracy in the country.”

The statement stated, “Mass arrests, threats, enforced disappearances, blackmailing and surveillance were all methods reportedly used by law enforcement officials prior to the ballot, which was boycotted by the main opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party. Acts of political violence, including arson attacks allegedly committed by opposition groups, were reported.”

Around 25,000 opposition supporters have been arrested, including key party leaders, since 28 October. At least 10 opposition supporters reportedly died – or were killed – in custody in the last two months, raising serious concerns about possible torture or harsh conditions of detention, the UN Human Rights Chief said.

Many human rights defenders have been forced to go into hiding, and some have fled the country, while dozens of suspected enforced disappearance cases have been reported, mostly in November. “These incidents must be independently investigated, and those responsible must be brought to justice in fair and transparent trials,” Türk said. 

He further added, “Violations and irregularities during the campaign and on election day itself should also be thoroughly and effectively investigated.”