The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) has issued a statement in response to comments made by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk regarding the Bangladesh Army’s role in the student protests of July-August last year.
On Monday (March 10), the ISPR released a statement addressing remarks made by Volker Turk during an interview on BBC World Service’s “Hardtalk” program, where he discussed the Bangladesh Army’s involvement in the student protests. The ISPR clarified that while the Bangladesh Army values human rights and takes constructive criticism seriously, it believes that further clarification is needed for some aspects of Turk’s comments to ensure greater accuracy and transparency.
The statement further highlighted that the Bangladesh Army had not been made aware of any concerns or messages from the UN High Commissioner regarding this matter. It was noted that if any such concerns were raised, they would have been communicated to the government of Bangladesh at the time, not directly to the Army. The statement also emphasized that the Bangladesh Army operates in accordance with national security guidelines and is committed to upholding the rule of law and human rights policies.
The ISPR also stated that some sections of the media had misrepresented Turk’s comments, leading to misconceptions about the Army’s role and undermining its professionalism. The Bangladesh Army reaffirmed its commitment to neutrality and integrity, emphasizing that it has always stood by the people, as evidenced by historical events like the democratic transition of 1991. During the protests of July-August 2024, the Army remained impartial, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.
Additionally, the statement noted that Bangladesh is the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping missions globally and is internationally recognized for its professionalism and dedication. It further stated that a small portion of the revenue earned from peacekeeping operations goes to peacekeepers, while the majority contributes significantly to the country’s economic growth, amounting to nearly 27,000 crore taka in the last 23 years.
Liberty News’ national correspondent states that the Bangladesh Army also reaffirmed its long-standing positive relationship with the UN Human Rights Commission and its commitment to serving the people and the international community. The ISPR concluded that any concerns or confusion regarding the Army’s role could be effectively addressed through constructive dialogue.
LND/BG
