Recently, numerous incidents of sexual harassment have come to light across the country, sparking protests in various educational institutions, social, cultural, and human rights organizations. However, legal experts believe that if the High Court's directives on preventing sexual harassment, issued 16 years ago, had been implemented, such heinous crimes would have significantly decreased.
The deteriorating law and order situation in the country has led to a sharp rise in horrifying incidents of rape. Among them, the brutal rape of an 8-year-old child in Magura has shocked the nation. According to research reports from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in just January and February of this year, 96 people were raped, including 44 children.
Hatirjheel-Begunbari Project is one of the most attractive spots for nature and beauty lovers in Dhaka. The plan was to create a place where people in this polluted city could breathe in fresh air. However, due to the lack of proper maintenance, this project—often referred to the "lungs of Dhaka"—now seems to be suffering from a deadly disease. Instead of showcasing its aesthetic structures and breathtaking natural beauty, the lake’s dark, polluted water emits a foul odor.
Preparations are underway to submit the final report by March on war crimes cases filed against Sheikh Hasina and several members of her cabinet for the violence that occurred in July and August. The prosecution team of the International Crimes Tribunal, along with the investigation agency and ten special police teams, are working diligently to expedite the investigation and commence trials promptly. The goal is to deliver a verdict in at least one case by August 5
Extrajudicial killings show no signs of stopping in Bangladesh. At the same time, incidents of mob justice and unlawful killings are increasing. Even more concerning is the lack of independent investigations and fair trials against those accused of such actions. According to various human rights organizations and legal experts, the continuation of such incidents poses a major obstacle to human rights and good governance in the country. They argue that, just like in previous administrations, extrajudicial and unlawful killings continue to persist.
The High Court ruled to repeal the 15th Amendment to the Constitution on December 17 last year, upholding the historic March 7 speech of 1971, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's declaration of independence, and the Mujibnagar government's proclamation of independence during the great liberation war. However, in its final report to the interim government, the Constitutional Reform Commission has proposed to repeal Article 152(2) of the Constitution, which includes the historic March 7 speech, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's declaration of independence, and the Mujibnagar government's proclamation of independence.