Nine international bodies urge PM to protect human rights, press freedom

Nine international human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), have called on Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to take effective steps to address "urgent challenges" in protecting human rights and media freedom.

In a joint letter addressed to Bangladesh's Prime Minister, the organisations demanded the release of arrested journalists and urged a review of cases filed against journalists under cyber laws.

The letter also called for swift and impartial investigations into attacks on journalists, including those at the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star. Dated March 12, the letter was published on the CPJ website and copied to Law Minister Md Asaduzzaman and Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed.

Besides Amnesty International and CPJ, other signatories include Article 19, the World Alliance for Citizen Participation, FIDH, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, the Robert and Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center, and the Tech Global Institute.

The letter stated that the election victory has opened a new chapter in the country's history, and the steps taken by the government will have long-term implications for human rights. While acknowledging the commitment to investigate and prevent enforced disappearances, the organisations noted that families of at least 287 missing persons are still awaiting news of their loved ones.

The letter emphasised strengthening state institutions by implementing various reform commission recommendations and highlighted the need to establish an independent and robust National Human Rights Commission.

It noted that while many human rights violations from the previous government's era have ceased, indiscriminate detentions and journalist arrests occurred during the interim government, leaving freedom of expression still at risk.

Concern was also expressed over the spread of mob culture threatening the rule of law, with particular emphasis on ensuring the safety of minority communities and women. Concerns were also raised about repressive actions by security forces in the Chittagong Hill Tracts.

The letter stated that despite challenges such as the rule of law, economic pressure and climate change in the current global context, Bangladesh can play a vital role both domestically and internationally in protecting human rights.

Finally, expressing willingness to work in partnership with the government, the organisations called for necessary legal reforms to protect human rights, passage of key ordinances in parliament, and implementation of recommendations for overall development.