A group of Dhaka University students gathered on campus Sunday to protest the proposed establishment of a United Nations Human Rights Office in Dhaka. The demonstration was held at the Raju Memorial Sculpture and led by a group calling itself Bikkhubdho Shikkharthibrindo, or “agitated students.”
Their concerns were varied but pointed.
Protesters Raise Four Main Objections
At the protest, students released a written list of four primary concerns:
- Threats to national sovereignty
- Viewed as violating both religious principles and social customs
- Potential damage to Bangladesh’s global image
- Pressure to eliminate the death penalty
The students claimed that allowing a UN human rights body to operate inside the country would blur the line between domestic and international affairs. They said such a presence might compromise Bangladesh’s foreign policy independence.
Concerns Over Chittagong Hill Tracts and Education Policy
There were also specific concerns about internal security.
Protesters are warning that a UN human rights office could destabilize the volatile Chittagong Hill Tracts by emboldening militant factions.
They also highlighted a fundamental culture clash, stating that the UN’s advocacy for issues like LGBTQ rights and sex work violates both national law and core religious principles in Bangladesh.
Several demonstrators expressed fear that these topics would eventually be introduced into school and madrasa curricula, potentially through pressure from the UN body.
Fears Over International Perception and Legal Reform
Students also argued that the existence of a UN Human Rights Office could cast Bangladesh in a negative light globally.
They suggested such offices are typically opened in nations suffering from conflict or widespread instability. “But Bangladesh is not in such a condition,” their statement read.
Another point of concern involved the legal system.
Protesters argued that the UN’s stance against the death penalty for crimes like murder and rape could embolden offenders and deny justice to victims.
Call to Government for Withdrawal
In the final part of their statement, the students urged the government to reverse any steps taken toward allowing the UN office to open.
“This is why we have taken to the streets,” one of the protestors said. “We want the government to understand the risks.”
It remained a calm protest and concluded without disruption. No government response was immediately available.
