At a regular press briefing on Wednesday, January 21, 2026, the United Nations reiterated its emphasis on ensuring accountability for those responsible for the mass casualties during Bangladesh’s July 2024 uprising. The issue arose when a journalist asked whether the UN Secretary-General would urge the Indian government to return Sheikh Hasina to Bangladesh, following her conviction by a Bangladeshi court for allegedly ordering killings during the uprising that left at least 1,400 people dead.

In response, UN Deputy Spokesperson Farhan Haq avoided naming any country but underscored the need for accountability based on objective facts. He stated that those identified as responsible must face justice in accordance with international law. Haq added that the UN itself had provided information on the killings and reaffirmed that accountability must be pursued with fundamental respect for international legal standards.

The UN has maintained its focus on justice for the victims of the July uprising since the beginning of the crisis, emphasizing that due process and adherence to international law are essential in addressing such grave human rights violations.