The Bangladesh Army on Monday said that it did not receive any direct communication or intent from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights regarding the matter stated by UN human rights chief Volker T眉rk.
The Inter Services Public Relation Directorate clarified the Bangladesh Army鈥檚 position in a statement on Monday, five days after the OHCHR chief had told BBC鈥檚 HARDtalk programme that the regime change in Bangladesh came after they had聽 warned the Bangladesh Army that if they got involved, they would not be a troop contributing country anymore in the UN peacekeeping missions.
鈥楢s a result, we saw changes,鈥� said Volker T眉rk聽in the interview while speaking about the Bangladesh regime change last year when Professor Muhammad Yunus took over as chief adviser of the interim administration.
He said that there was massive repression during the protest against the then Sheikh Hasina government.
Professor Muhammad Yunus assumed power on August 8, three days after the fall of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, 2024 amid a student-led mass uprising.
鈥業f any such concerns were raised, they were conveyed to the erstwhile Government of Bangladesh and not directly to the army leadership. The Bangladesh Army operates within the framework of national security directives and adheres strictly to the rule of law and human rights principles,鈥� said the ISPR regarding the remarks by Volker T眉rk.
The ISPR said that Volker T眉rk鈥檚 remarks, taken out of context by certain quarters, appear to misrepresent the role of the Bangladesh Army and potentially undermine its reputation, sacrifice and professionalism.
The Bangladesh Army remained committed to people, upholding its legacy of neutrality and integrity, the ISPR statement read, adding that historical events, such as the democratic transition of 1991, reaffirm this dedication. During the July-August 2024 protests, the army once again stood by the people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.
鈥楢s the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping, it is globally recognised for its professionalism and dedication. Notably, while peacekeepers receive a tiny portion of foreign earnings, the majority鈥攁round Tk 27,000 crore earned over 23 years鈥攈as significantly contributed to the national economic growth,鈥� said the ISPR statement.
It said that the Bangladesh Army deeply values its partnership with the OHCHR and remains steadfast in its commitment to serving both the people of Bangladesh and the global community.
The ISPR further said that any concerns regarding its role could be best addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement.
