The Bangladesh Army has clarified that it did not receive any direct communication or intent from the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, regarding its involvement in the July Uprising of last year. The statement was issued by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) in a rejoinder on March 10, 2025.
The response came after Volker Turk, during an interview with BBC HARDtalk, claimed that the UN had warned the Bangladesh Army that it could lose its eligibility to participate in peacekeeping missions if it became involved in the July protests. The ISPR clarified that while it acknowledged Turk’s remarks, the Bangladesh Army did not receive any direct communication from the UN on the matter.
“The Bangladesh Army takes note of the recent remarks made by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Volker Türk, during his interview with BBC HARDtalk,” the rejoinder stated. “However, the Army did not receive any direct communication or intent from the UN High Commissioner regarding the matter. Any concerns raised were conveyed to the then Government of Bangladesh, not directly to the Army leadership.”
The ISPR further emphasized that the Bangladesh Army operates within the framework of national security directives, adhering strictly to the rule of law and human rights principles. It also highlighted that Turk’s remarks were taken out of context by some, potentially misrepresenting the role of the Bangladesh Army and undermining its professionalism and reputation.
The Bangladesh Army reaffirmed its commitment to the people of Bangladesh, citing historical events such as the democratic transition of 1991, which showcased the Army’s dedication to neutrality and integrity. It further stated that during the July-August 2024 protests, the Army stood by the people, ensuring public safety without bias or external influence.
The statement also underscored the Bangladesh Army’s longstanding partnership with the United Nations, particularly in peacekeeping missions. As the second-largest contributor to UN peacekeeping efforts, the Bangladesh Army has gained international recognition for its professionalism and dedication. Despite receiving a small portion of foreign earnings from peacekeeping, the Army’s contributions have been crucial to the country’s economic growth, with around 27,000 crore taka generated over 23 years.
In conclusion, the ISPR reiterated that any concerns regarding the Bangladesh Army’s role in such matters could be best addressed through open dialogue and constructive engagement with the United Nations Commission on Human Rights. The Army expressed its continued commitment to serving both the people of Bangladesh and the global community.
