The government of Bangladesh has pledged to cooperate with the UNHCHR to prevent a recurrence of last year's human rights violations, with Law Adviser Asif Nazrul saying that various reform initiatives have been undertaken, including 15 reform commissions, six of which have submitted reports aligning with the UNHCHR’s findings.

Asif Nazrul made these remarks on Wednesday at an event in Geneva titled "Charting the Path Forward," which focused on human rights violations that occurred in July-August. The event was attended by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, along with representatives from international organizations and diplomatic missions.

During the event, journalist David Bergman’s documentary "Jatrabari: An Evidence to Massacre" was screened. Mir Mahmudur Rahman, the brother of Mir Mahfuzur Rahman Mughdo, who was killed in the July-August coup, as well as architect Farhana Sharmin Imu, who provided medical assistance to the injured, and other family members of the victims, spoke at the event. Additionally, representatives from the Netherlands and Saudi Arabia, along with various international organizations, raised questions on different aspects of the issue.

Asif Nazrul said that the government will incorporate the UNHCHR report’s recommendations into the reform process. He emphasized that cooperation with the UNHCHR will not be limited to just preparing this report.
He said: "We are working with the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ office. We have already agreed on a draft text. I believe we can work together extensively."

When questioned about persecution against minorities, the legal advisor responded: "Some political violence has occurred against those who perpetrated violence under the Awami League regime and their armed groups. They had been oppressing people for a long time. Some attacks have occurred against those involved with Awami fascists. We condemn these attacks. The majority of those affected were Muslims, with only a small number from minority communities. Therefore, if anyone wants to categorize these attacks as targeting minorities, I will not agree."
The UN report has accurately highlighted severe human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, torture, and the use of force by supporters of the then-ruling party. Asif Nazrul acknowledged that the UN’s findings are crucial for ensuring accountability.

He said: "I want to assure everyone that the interim government is committed to conducting an impartial and credible investigation to ensure justice for the July-August massacre. For this purpose, the International Crimes Tribunal Act of 1973 has been amended to ensure fair and transparent judicial proceedings."

He elaborated that amendments to the International Crimes Tribunal Act of 1973 include defining crimes in accordance with international standards, expanding the scope for accused individuals to prove their innocence, allowing the hiring of foreign lawyers, and permitting UN and other human rights organization representatives to be present in court during trials.

The interim government has decided to include enforced disappearances in the country’s penal laws and define them accordingly. Additionally, the July Martyrs Foundation has been established to provide compensation and memorialization for those affected during the uprising.

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk, in his speech, said: "Our goal was to uncover the truth. We believe that former government officials, members of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and radical supporters of the ruling party systematically and collectively committed serious human rights violations. These included hundreds of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detentions, and torture of men, women, and children."

Regarding the next steps, he emphasized: "Accountability is paramount. Efforts have begun, and multiple cases have been filed. It is crucial to ensure due process is followed."

He also said: "The UN’s stance on the abolition of the death penalty is very clear, and we urge for an extension of the moratorium on executions." Additionally, he mentioned that if the government wishes, it may request the International Criminal Court to investigate human rights violations.

Volker Turk further said: "I visited a hospital in Bangladesh. I saw firsthand how young people, children, and women were tortured. They were receiving medical treatment, and many of them have been left permanently disabled."
Regarding the implementation of the UN’s recommendations, he concluded: "We are in the final stages of determining how we will work in Bangladesh. We want to provide cooperation and technical assistance."