UN Rights Chief Urges Dhaka Students to Safeguard Democracy and Justice

UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk urged students at Dhaka University to protect democracy and end cycles of revenge. He was speaking at the very campus that sparked the movement that unseated Bangladesh’s leader, Sheikh Hasina.

In his address, Turk called democracy “a powerful yet fragile idea” that must be nurtured, especially in its early stages.

As reported by Arab News, Turk said in his address,  “Democracy is one of the most powerful ideas ever dreamed up by humanity… but it is also fragile — something that we must nurture and protect — particularly in its earliest stages,” “I know you are aware of the pitfalls that led other pro-democracy movements into a dead end.”

Turk acknowledged the courage students showed in their struggle for justice and equality. He cautioned, though, against sacrificing democratic principles, emphasizing that “the process of seeking change is as vital as the outcome.”

This visit was aimed at engaging with key leaders, and highlights Turk’s call for an end to revenge cycles and gross rights abuses that marked Hasina’s 15-year rule. He stressed that true justice must tackle inequality and corruption to prevent history from repeating itself.