Volker Turk Engages Students on Human Rights & the July Revolution

Volker Turk Engages Students on Human Rights & the July Revolution

In an experience-sharing session held at Dhaka University, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk joined students, academics, and activists to discuss the significance of human rights and the legacy of the July Revolution. The event was organized collaboratively by the United Nations, Dhaka University, the Dacca Institute of Research & Analytics (daira), and Anti-discrimination Students Movement, serving as a platform for dialogue on justice, equity, and democracy in Bangladesh.

The session began with an opening speech by the Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University, who highlighted the socio-political importance of the July Revolution in shaping Bangladesh’s history. He emphasized the university’s pivotal role in preserving the memory of this historic event and called for national initiatives to ensure its legacy endures. The Vice Chancellor also expressed gratitude to Volker Turk and the United Nations for their commitment to upholding human rights, setting the tone for an engaging discussion.

Delivering his keynote address, Volker Turk paid tribute to Dhaka University as a cornerstone of Bangladesh’s historic movements. He commended the youth of the nation for their dedication to justice and their fight against repressive institutions. Reflecting on the sacrifices of the martyrs and the wounded during the revolution, Turk criticized the oppressive measures, human rights violations, and what he referred to as the democratic erosion under a “Hasina-backed fascist regime.” He concluded his address by advocating for an inclusive society, free and fair elections, and a transparent economic framework as fundamental pillars of progress.

In the second session, students took the stage to share their perspectives. Rezwan Ahmed Refat from Dhaka University highlighted the contributions of Generation Z in challenging the fallen regime and condemned the violence perpetuated by the Bangladesh Chhatra League against students and protesters. Ashraf Mahdi from Islamic University, Bangladesh, discussed the significant role of madrasa students in the revolution. Shamoly Sultana from ULAB questioned the United Nations’ role in addressing the Rohingya refugee crisis and their repatriation from Bangladesh. Students from diverse backgrounds also raised important questions on a range of topics, including Abdullah Ibne Hanif (Dhaka University), Sinthiya Aeysha (Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College), Rupaiya Sristha Tanchangya (Dhaka University), Moinul Islam (Govt. Madrasah E Alia), and Sakin (BRAC University). These students expressed concerns about issues such as the July massacre, the genocide in Gaza, and the sheltering of facilitators from alleged repressive regimes in the neighboring country.

During the third session, Volker Turk addressed these concerns, reaffirming the UN’s commitment to justice and transparency. His responses resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of global solidarity in tackling human rights violations.

The program concluded with thank-you speeches by Huma Khan, Senior Women Protection Advisor for the UN Mission in South Sudan, and Saifuddin Ahmed, Proctor of Dhaka University, both of whom expressed gratitude to all participants. Mahfuj Alam, Special Assistant to the Chief Advisor of Bangladesh’s interim government, also attended, adding further significance to the event. Moderated by Shehreen Amin Monami, Assistant Proctor of Dhaka University, along with Rawnak Jahan and Tabiha Tabassum, the event bridged local activism and international human rights advocacy, showcasing the power of collective action in shaping a just and equitable future.