Highlighting the necessity of systemic reforms, Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated that without them, human rights violations in Bangladesh will persist.
The report emphasizes the release and investigation of those detained during the July movement by a UN human rights fact-finding mission, as well as probes into allegations of enforced disappearances and killings under Sheikh Hasina’s regime. It also discusses steps taken to prosecute former officials accused of human rights violations during the July uprising at the International Criminal Tribunal (ICT).
“The ICT has been criticized for failing to meet fair trial standards. While the interim government proposed amendments to the Act that established the court to align it with international standards, several due process safeguards remain absent,” the report notes.
HRW pointed out that the law still includes provisions for the death penalty, which it regards as a “violation of international human rights law.”
The report also examines the arrest of thousands of opposition leaders and activists by security forces before the January elections, as well as the opposition’s election boycott. Quoting the United Nations, it described the election, which secured Hasina’s fourth consecutive term, as “not inclusive.”
While the United States, the United Kingdom, and the UN declined to endorse the election, China, Russia, and India extended their congratulations to Hasina, the report notes.
During protests advocating for reforms in the government job quota system, HRW criticized actions such as nationwide internet shutdowns, restricted information access, and the imposition of curfews with shoot-on-sight orders.
The report highlights attacks on ethnic and religious minorities, detailing instances of violence and destruction. “Following Hasina’s resignation, rioters targeted her supporters, including Hindus, Ahmadi Muslims, and ethnic minorities. Over 200 people were killed during the violence, with shops, homes, and places of worship being attacked by criminals and opposition supporters. However, many Muslims defended minorities and condemned the attacks.”
Addressing unrest in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, the report criticized the denial of access to international human rights observers and journalists. It also condemned the killing of four hill community members by army gunfire during protests.
The issue of enforced disappearances, a long-standing concern in Bangladesh, was once again raised. According to HRW, citing the human rights group Odhikar, more than 700 people were forcibly disappeared under Hasina’s administration. Some were later released and brought to court, while others died in alleged gunfights with security forces, leaving approximately 100 individuals still missing.
The report criticized the entrenched “culture of impunity,” stating, “Allegations of torture, including those involving detained protesters, continue to surface. Historically, such allegations have rarely been investigated or prosecuted in Bangladesh.”
HRW expressed disappointment regarding the unequal distribution of resources, despite the country’s economic growth. “The recent protests highlighted frustrations over economic inequality. Youth unemployment, particularly among those aged 15-24, is the highest in the region, with 42 percent unemployment among young women. Bangladesh also has the world’s largest gender gap in youth unemployment. Rising living costs, especially for food, have further strained low-income households,” the report observes.
Freedom of media and expression in Bangladesh remains under threat, the report warns. “The Cyber Security Act (CSA), enacted in 2023, retains many of the draconian measures of the Digital Security Act, allowing authorities to criminalize and detain critics.”
While the interim government has pledged to protect free speech and welcomed criticism, the report highlights ongoing issues. “As of October, at least 129 journalists faced legal cases, and nearly 200 press accreditations were revoked. This underscores the fact that without systemic reforms, repressive practices will continue regardless of changes in leadership,” HRW said. It also noted an incident in September when courts ordered an investigation into a man accused under the CSA for allegedly insulting Yunus and the Quran in a Facebook video.
The report acknowledges the pivotal role women played in the July uprising but criticizes their underrepresentation in the interim government’s cabinet. “Sexual and gender-based violence remains widespread, and women and girls have limited access to justice or protection against such crimes,” it said.
HRW criticized the rejection of asylum applications for 18,000 Rohingya refugees from Myanmar due to last year’s violence. It highlighted Bangladesh’s obligation under international law and the UN Convention Against Torture not to repatriate individuals facing persecution, torture, or other risks.
The report further discusses the interim government’s commitment to repatriating refugees but notes ongoing violence and uncertainty in the camps. It also highlights the lack of legal protection against discrimination based on gender identity and threats of violence against the LGBT community in Bangladesh.
The state of labor rights in Bangladesh also drew criticism. HRW observed, “Many companies exploit loopholes to evade international labor and environmental standards.” It mentioned police violence against protesting garment workers, hazardous conditions in the ship-breaking industry, and widespread violations of labor laws.
The report criticized the lack of freedom for labor organizations, inadequate worker protections, and the failure to amend labor laws to align with International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. “The authorities have yet to ratify the ILO Violence and Harassment Convention (C190), which mandates comprehensive protections to eliminate workplace violence and harassment, including gender-based violence,” it concluded.
