Bangladesh faces ongoing rights crisis in first half of 2025: HRSS

The human rights landscape in Bangladesh during the first half of 2025 has been described as "deeply disappointing," according to a report published Monday by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). The organization expressed serious concerns over ongoing violations, highlighting a continuation—and even escalation—of abuses reported in previous years.

In a statement issued by HRSS Executive Director Ejazul Islam, the group noted, “Even after 53 years of independence, Bangladesh has yet to establish equality, human dignity, social justice, human rights, and democracy. The people have not received the true benefits of freedom.”

The report calls 2024 one of the most alarming years for human rights in the country, marked by mass uprisings that led to the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government. A transitional administration, led by Nobel laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, took power in August. However, HRSS states that the public’s hope for meaningful change has largely gone unfulfilled, and that the interim government has so far failed to meet expectations.

The statement says, "A review of the human rights situation in the first six months of 2025 reveals an increase in political violence-related deaths, mob beatings, torture and killings, violence against women and rape, child abuse, and attacks on journalists. There have also been incidents of interference with freedom of speech, deaths in the custody of law enforcement agencies, attacks on workers, persecution of minorities, attacks and vandalism at shrines, deaths in prisons, obstruction of public gatherings, and police assaults on protesting private primary school teachers. During this period, extortion, theft, mugging, robbery, and murder have also taken place, instilling fear and panic among the public."

The statement further notes, "Following the announcement that Sheikh Hasina's speech would be broadcast at a virtual event organized by the banned organization Chhatra League, angry students and citizens launched attacks, vandalism, and arson on February 5, 6, and 7 at various locations — including Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's residence at Dhanmondi 32, Sheikh Hasina's Sudha Sadan residence, and several Awami League offices and leaders' homes across the country."

"After the verdict against Jamaat leader A.T.M. Azhar, tensions and clashes erupted between the leftist student alliance Democratic Student Front and the anti-Shahbagh alliance. On May 12, Bangladesh's Chief Adviser Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yunus, leading the interim government, announced a ban on all activities of the ousted Awami League — along with its affiliated, allied, and like-minded organizations — following their removal from power in August last year."

The statement also adds, "Clashes and tensions among student organizations in various educational institutions have caused fear among students. In the capital, road blockades for various demands have led to public suffering. There have been multiple incidents of political leaders and activists being attacked outside courts and prisons; in some cases, political affiliates forcibly freed accused individuals by attacking police stations and law enforcement personnel. Allegations of irregularities have surfaced regarding joint-force operations, including a special operation named 'Operation Devil Hunt', aimed at combating terrorism, improving law and order, and bringing terrorists to justice."

"Furthermore, there have been concerns about human rights violations due to clashes and tensions at the India border, where BSF allegedly violated international law by constructing fences, inciting violence, pushing in Bengali-speaking people, and even killing, injuring, or arresting innocent Bangladeshis. Incidents involving the Arakan Army from Myanmar — including the detention of a Bangladeshi ship, border shootings, and the explosion of mines and mortar shells — have also contributed to the growing concern over the human rights situation."

HRSS concludes that despite hopes for a better year, Bangladesh’s human rights situation remains grim—with new concerns adding to longstanding problems.