Take concerns of int'l human rights organisations seriously on human rights protection

Since the mass uprising, we have been witnessing alarming incidents of human rights violations in Bangladesh. Alongside abductions and killings, indiscriminate arrests of Awami League leaders and activists are taking place. Even without specific allegations, many have been detained merely for being supporters of the Awami League. People are being harassed by being labelled as Awami League members. Although the party itself has not been banned, all its activities have been prohibited. Expressing concern over these issues and urging for immediate steps to prevent further human rights violations within the short time left before the election, six international human rights organisations have written to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus.

According to reports published in the media yesterday (Thursday, 23 October), the letter called for the withdrawal of the wide-ranging ban imposed on the Awami League’s activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act, as well as the dismissal of all “politically motivated” cases filed against its leaders and activists. It also recommended several reforms, including the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and limiting the powers of the military intelligence agency DGFI.

The organisations are Civicus, Committee to Protect Journalists, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and Tech Global Institute. The letter has been published on the website of Human Rights Watch (HRW). It said, “We are deeply concerned that the security forces have not yet undergone reform and that their members are not fully cooperating with efforts towards accountability and reform. With the limited time before the 2026 election, we urge you to expand the space for the protection of human rights. We call on you to ensure institutional capacity that can guarantee free and fair elections in Bangladesh and prevent future deterioration of the situation.”

Like these human rights organisations, the country’s civil society has also been deeply concerned for several months about the human rights situation. But just as the government has not given due importance to the concerns of citizens, it now seems not to be taking the concerns of international human rights organisations seriously either. Regarding the letter from the six organisations, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain said that it would never be possible for the government to accept everything they have proposed.

He said, “Everyone will do their own work — that’s what we believe. The human rights organisations will do their job. It’s never possible for the government to accept everything they say. Of course, when any concern arises over human rights, we take it into consideration, and the government does whatever is possible from its side.”

The government must indeed act according to the country’s own situation, but it should also take the concerns of the human rights organisations seriously. There are issues among them which, if neglected, may lead to further human rights violations in Bangladesh. Therefore, before the election, the government must establish measures that will ensure no new incidents of human rights abuse occur. Otherwise, the election will not only become questionable but may even be jeopardised. It must be remembered that Bangladesh is currently in a very sensitive state. Hence, the government must proceed cautiously, considering all aspects.