Months after the pivotal political upheaval of August 5, which saw Sheikh Hasina lose power and subsequently leave Bangladesh, the global discourse surrounding the country’s political landscape took a dramatic turn.

On March 5, during an interview on BBC’s HARDtalk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk made a striking revelation regarding the Bangladesh Army’s stance during the student-led July movement.

Türk stated that the United Nations had explicitly warned the Bangladesh military that any involvement in suppressing the protests could jeopardize their participation in UN peacekeeping missions. “We actually gave the warning to the army that if they get involved, it means they may not be able to be a troop-contributing country anymore”, Türk disclosed. “As a result, we saw changes when Muhammad Yunus took over as the new chief adviser of the interim administration”.

His remarks have triggered significant controversy in Bangladesh, particularly concerning the perceived role of the military during the period of political unrest. The army’s apparent inaction during the mass student protests against Sheikh Hasina’s government had long raised questions.

Now, Türk’s statement has fueled speculation that the military’s restraint was not solely a strategic decision but was instead dictated by external pressure, particularly from the United States and the United Nations.

The role of the military in Bangladesh’s political turmoil

During July and August 2024, Bangladesh witnessed an unprecedented wave of student-led demonstrations, reflecting deep-seated dissatisfaction with Sheikh Hasina’s administration. These protests, marked by large-scale participation and fierce determination, were met with severe repression, sparking international concern. “During July-August, there was a massive demonstration of students. They had had enough of the previous government under Sheikh Hasina. There was massive repression happening”,

Türk remarked during the interview. “The big hope for them was actually our voice, was my voice, was also what we were able to do, and we put the spotlight on the situation”.

The High Commissioner’s admission suggests that international........

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