UN Expert On Bangladesh Crisis: 'Very Tough Job Ahead' For Bangladesh Army Amid Transition

In recent weeks, at least 11,000 people have been arrested. The unrest has led to the closure of schools and universities across the country, and a shoot-on-sight curfew was imposed at one point.

A conversation was offered by Hasina to student leaders on Saturday, but a coordinator refused and announced a one-point demand for her resignation. Pledges to investigate the deaths and punish those responsible for the violence were repeated by Hasina, who stated her willingness to meet with the protesters whenever they wished.

UN Expert On Bangladesh Crisis

Irene Khan, the UN special rapporteur on freedom of expression and opinion, has remarked that the army has halted further bloodshed but faces a "very tough job ahead" after its commitment to establish an interim government.

Khan expressed hopes that the transition would proceed peacefully and emphasized the necessity for accountability regarding recent human rights violations, which include the killing of approximately 300 people over the past three weeks.

"It is anticipated that the army will have a challenging task," Khan told Al Jazeera. "The hope is that the transition will be peaceful and that accountability for the human rights abuses, including the recent killings, will be ensured."

She further commented that Bangladesh is confronted with a significant challenge. The country is no longer seen as a model for sustainable development due to the actions of the previous government, which had driven the nation into a state of despair. Khan stressed that extensive effort will be required to rebuild the country, emphasizing that it is crucial for the army to uphold human rights throughout this process.

Sheikh Hasina's resignation comes in the wake of widespread protests in Dhaka, which erupted into violence on Sunday. Nearly 100 individuals, including 14 police officers, were killed, and hundreds were injured during the fierce confrontations. The clashes began in the morning when protesters, part of the Students Against Discrimination movement, called for Hasina's resignation over a disputed job quota system.

They faced strong opposition from supporters of the ruling Awami League, as well as its affiliated groups, the Chhatra League and Jubo League. The violent encounters underscored the deep divisions and unrest in Bangladesh, leading to Hasina's decision to step down.