The UN Human Rights Office has launched a fact-finding investigation into alleged human rights violations that occurred between July 1 and August 15 this year, following recent protests, according to a report by state news agency Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha on September 16.

The investigation, initiated at the request of the Bangladesh interim government, aims to establish facts, identify those responsible, analyse root causes, and provide recommendations for addressing past violations and preventing future ones, the agency reported.

Individuals, groups, and organisations are encouraged to submit first-hand information not already available on social media or in the public domain, relating to human rights violations and abuses linked to the protests during the specified period.

The UN team will also conduct interviews with victims, law enforcement personnel, medical professionals, and witnesses. The fact-finding mission is independent of any national criminal justice proceedings and is not a criminal investigation, according to the report.

Upon completion of its on-site investigation and data analysis, the UN Human Rights Office will release a detailed human rights report with key findings, conclusions, and recommendations.

In a significant political turn, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 after weeks of student protests sparked by the reinstatement of a quota system for civil service positions. Security forces under her regime have been accused of severe human rights abuses, including violence that is believed to have resulted in hundreds of deaths, including those of children.