HRW seeks UN intervene in Bangladesh over arbitrary detentions

Bangladesh’s interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, is increasingly using amended counterterrorism laws to detain alleged supporters of the deposed Awami League government, Human Rights Watch reported. The United Nations has been urged to intervene and press for the release of those held arbitrarily.

The interim government assumed power in August 2024 after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League administration was toppled following three weeks of protests that left 1,400 dead. On May 12, 2025, authorities imposed a “temporary” ban on the Awami League, citing new powers under controversial amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban restricts party meetings, publications, and online activity, and has been used to arrest party members and peaceful activists.

“The interim government should not engage in the same partisan practices Bangladeshis experienced under Sheikh Hasina,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The UN should monitor developments closely and intervene to prevent politically motivated arrests.”

Since taking office, thousands have been detained, often on dubious murder charges, while many are held under anti-terrorism provisions. Reports of mistreatment in custody, including denied medical care, echo allegations from Hasina’s tenure.

On August 28, 16 people—including journalists and academics—were arrested during a public discussion organized by Mancha 71, a platform commemorating Bangladesh’s independence. A mob disrupted the event at the Dhaka Reporters Unity office, accusing attendees of allegiance to the Awami League. Police detained the participants rather than the disruptors. Among those arrested were Dhaka University professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman and former minister Abdul Latif Siddique.

During a September 4 bail hearing, journalist Monjurul Alam Panna appeared in court wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest. Family members reported that prosecution lawyers physically attacked another journalist. “This was a discussion, not a political rally—how can it be terrorism?” a relative told Human Rights Watch.

The Anti-Terrorism Act, originally enacted in 2009 under the Awami League, was amended in 2025 to purportedly hold party members accountable. Critics argue the law is being misused to suppress peaceful expression. The Bangladesh Editors’ Council warned that the amendments threaten press freedom, though Yunus denies restricting speech.

Meanwhile, conservative groups continue violent campaigns against Awami League supporters and women’s rights activists. At least 152 deaths have been reported in mob attacks since January, according to human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra.

In July, Bangladesh and the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to establish a mission aimed at promoting human rights. The interim government has pledged elections for February 2026.

“Instead of misusing anti-terrorism laws, the government must focus on creating conditions for safe and participatory elections,” Ganguly said.