Int’l trade union body condemns violence in Bangladesh

The International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) has expressed grave concern over the recent violence in Bangladesh, where security forces have been seen shooting outdoor workers during protests.

Student groups have taken to the streets to oppose the government’s reinstatement of quotas that would allocate one-third of civil service jobs to the relatives of veterans from Bangladesh’s 1971 War of Independence, says a media release.

The protests have led to the deaths of at least 200 students, activists, and workers, with thousands arrested and civilian access to information and freedom of expression restricted due to an internet shutdown.

ITUC General Secretary Luc Triangle said, “The situation in Bangladesh is alarming and deteriorating. The brutal response to peaceful protests is unacceptable. We stand with the workers and students of Bangladesh in their fight for justice and human rights.”

“For years, the ITUC has condemned the excessive use of force by Bangladeshi security forces against workers exercising their basic rights, such as the right to strike and to peaceful protest. As a result, Bangladesh remains among the 10 worst countries in the world for workers, according to the 2024 ITUC Global Rights Index.”

The recent killings by security forces under government control demonstrate that no progress has been made despite the country’s commitments to international human rights bodies and the ILO’s supervisory system, he added.

“The government must immediately cease mass arrests and release all detainees, including student organisers and leaders. We also fully support the Bangladesh Free Trade Union Congress’s call for a credible national judicial inquiry and an UN-led investigation into the human rights violations and killings of students and workers.”

The ITUC demands include justice for victims of state violence, including appropriate compensation, respect for the safety and rights of all workers and their families, particularly outdoor workers, protection of civil liberties in line with international human rights and labour standards, engagement in meaningful dialogue with trade unions, especially on labour law reform and employment policies.

Luc Triangle also said, “The working people of Bangladesh deserve better. We demand immediate action to prevent further loss of life, ensure accountability for the violence and killings, and uphold human rights in Bangladesh.”