UN Rights Chief Urges Independent Oversight Body for Bangladesh Security Forces

United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk has called for the establishment of a strong and independent national institution to oversee Bangladesh’s law enforcement agencies.

Türk made the call on Monday while delivering a speech on the global human rights situation at the 63rd session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.

“We have been calling for the establishment of an institution that can provide oversight of the work of the security forces,” Türk said.

The UN human rights office published a fact-finding report on February 12, 2025, into serious human rights violations during Bangladesh’s July-August 2024 mass uprising. The report included 44 recommendations aimed at improving the country’s human rights situation.

Among the recommendations was the establishment of independent oversight mechanisms for law enforcement agencies, along with independent investigations into serious human rights violations, institutional reforms, civilian oversight and stronger accountability mechanisms.

Various UN agencies have also recommended that Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission be given the authority to directly investigate allegations of human rights violations committed by members of law enforcement agencies.

The UN has further called for adequate resources for the commission and a transparent, inclusive and merit-based appointment process consistent with the Paris Principles.

The recommendations are aimed at strengthening institutional accountability and ensuring effective civilian oversight of Bangladesh’s security and law enforcement bodies.