DHAKA: The UN human rights office has said around 250 people were reportedly killed following the new wave of protests between August 5 and 6. The number of reported killings in revenge attacks since that time still remains to be determined.
According to available public reports by the media and the protest movement itself, between July 16 and Aug 11 more than 600 people were killed.Of these, nearly 400 deaths were reported from July 16 to Aug 4, the UN rights body said in its report “Preliminary Analysis of Recent Protests and Unrest in Bangladesh“. A number of deaths were reported between Aug 7 and 11, including those who died while undergoing treatment for injuries sustained in the violence. Those killed include protesters, bystanders, journalists covering the events, and a number of security force personnel.
The reported death toll is likely an underestimate as information collection has been hindered by restrictions on movement due to curfews and the internet shutdown. Also, hospitals were reportedly prevented by state authorities from providing details of those killed and injured.