Volker Türk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, is set to visit Dhaka in the second week of September, according to sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Discussions between the Government of Bangladesh and the UN High Commissioner’s office have been ongoing regarding the details of Türk’s visit. His upcoming trip is expected to focus on human rights issues in Bangladesh, particularly in light of recent events.
Volker Türk has previously issued multiple statements calling for the protection of human rights during the anti-discrimination student movement in Bangladesh. He expressed concern over reports indicating the excessive use of force by law enforcement agencies against protesting students. During his visit, discussions will likely cover UN support for investigating the deaths that occurred during these protests.
In preparation for Türk’s visit, a three-member preliminary technical team from the United Nations, led by Rory Mungoven, Chief of the Asia-Pacific Region at the UN High Commissioner’s office, is currently in Dhaka. The team is conducting initial investigations into the alleged human rights violations, including the killings during the anti-discrimination movement.