UN investigation report on the July massacre set for release on Thursday

The UN fact-finding mission investigating last year’s July-August unrest will unveil its findings at a press conference in Geneva, Switzerland, on Thursday at noon, according to sources.  

Investigators have found that the ousted Awami League government directly instigated violence against peaceful anti-fascist demonstrators and was involved in crimes against humanity during the nationwide protests.  

This marks the first UN-led investigation into criminal incidents in Bangladesh.  

The 150-page report includes recommendations to prevent similar violence in the future. While the Bangladesh government is not obligated to implement these recommendations, the report can serve as credible evidence in prosecuting Awami League members accused of fascist actions.  

In late January, the UN team shared its final draft with the interim government for feedback, and the government responded within the same week.  

The report is based on videos and other evidence provided by the government, along with UN-conducted interviews. However, many pieces of evidence consist of individual statements and incomplete data, prompting the UN to request further investigation into relevant incidents.