A three-member UN experts’ team would arrive in the capital on Thursday for laying the groundwork for a comprehensive investigation into the killings of students and other civilian protesters in the final days of the autocratic Awami League government.

The team would conduct primary investigations by interviewing students, victims, government officials and others concerned. The findings from the investigation are expected to lay the groundwork for the final investigations

The three-member team would also discuss with the interim government the mandate of the forthcoming UN fact-finding mission, the terms and conditions of the mission and the duration of the final investigation, UN Resident Coordinator Gwyn Lewis has said.

UN’s three-member team is expected to sign a deal with the interim government for the final investigation works by UN fact-finding mission.

Earlier, the Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus-led interim government pledged to conduct a transparent and neutral investigation into the killings of protesters during July and the first week of August.

The UN human rights office has said at least 650 people were killed between 16 July and 11 August as job quota reform protests turned into a bloody movement to topple the Awami League government.

The ultimate ouster of the Sheikh Hasina-led government on 5 August was followed by a series of revenge attacks and mob violence across the country.