Mahdi's claim of no rights violations doesn't match TIB data: Iftekharuzzaman

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman disagrees with the statement by Prime Minister's Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin that no human rights violations occurred in the country in the past seven months. He said TIB does not have information to support the claim that no human rights violations occurred in the country.

The exchange took place at a discussion titled 'Democracy, Human Rights and Accountable Governance' at TIB's office in Dhanmondi on Tuesday, marking International Democracy Day. After Mahdi Amin's speech at the event, Iftekharuzzaman presented various data on the human rights situation.

Mahdi Amin said unprecedented freedom of speech and human rights have been ensured in the country over the past seven months. Despite some limitations, incidents like state-sponsored disappearances, extrajudicial killings or deaths in custody did not occur during this time. The right to express opinions of people with opposing views or different ideologies was also not taken away.

In his words, the "17 years of fascist mess" cannot be removed all at once. However, maximum tolerance and coexistence are being seen at present. Such freedom of speech has not been seen before in history.

Mahdi Amin further said people from various classes and professions have representation and support for the BNP government. Earlier, there was a deficit of democracy in the country and fascism was established because the source of power of the then government was not the people. The state machinery, various forces, the judiciary and the administration were used to hold on to power.

Speaking afterwards, Iftekharuzzaman said the claim that "not a single human rights violation occurred" does not match the information TIB has. The data presents a different picture.

The TIB executive director said at least 52 incidents of harassment occurred due to the exercise of freedom of speech. In these incidents, 58 people were detained, most of them under the Anti-Terrorism Act. In Bangladesh after 2024, detentions under the Anti-Terrorism Act due to freedom of speech were not expected.

Iftekharuzzaman also expressed concern over the law and order situation. He said the law and order situation has not yet fully normalised for logical reasons. The police have not been able to recover morally. Several incidents amid this are also creating concern.

He said that in the past seven months, there have been more than 1,700 incidents of violence against girls and women. Among them, there were 503 incidents of rape. Additionally, there were 51 incidents of torture in custody and seven deaths at the hands of law enforcement agencies. He also mentioned the involvement of law enforcement agencies in one incident of enforced disappearance.

In response, Mahdi Amin again said that to his knowledge, no human rights violations occurred for political reasons. He claimed that during the previous government, a list was prepared from a top-level state office and action was taken accordingly, which he said involved direct interference from the top level of the state.

Mahdi Amin said that if isolated mistakes or undesirable incidents occur anywhere in the vast state structure, they are being brought under accountability.

Bangladesh Samajtantrik Dal (BASAD) Barishal district committee member secretary and women's leader Dr Manisha Chakraborty, former NCP leader Dr Tasnim Jara and representatives from various classes and professions were present at the discussion.