Human Rights Day commentary: Bangladesh needs to stamp out violence and abuses

Bangladesh activists describe gains and shortcomings of the old and new regimes.

Human Rights Day is observed every year on December 10 to mark the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly. — Human Rights Day is observed every year on Dec. 10 to mark the 1948 adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights by the United Nations General Assembly.

The new regime in Bangladesh has a chance to improve the country’s human rights record, but so far has failed to make progress against the violence and abuses that plagued the former government. That’s the conclusion of the human rights advocates at JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) on the occasion of international Human Rights Day, Dec. 10.

By Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus

Paris, France; December 10, 2024: On the occasion of World Human Rights Day 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) joins the global community in reaffirming its commitment to the advancement of human rights and equality. This year’s theme, “Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now” serves as a timely reminder of the work still to be done in Bangladesh to create a society free of oppression and injustice. This day is not just a celebration of universal human rights, but also a call to action to address inequality, uphold dignity, and foster justice for every citizen of Bangladesh.

Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (Photo courtesy of Council of Women World Leaders) — Former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was ousted in August 2024. (Photo courtesy of Council of Women World Leaders)

Over the past decade, under the leadership of the Bangladesh Awami League Government, significant efforts were made in areas such as women’s empowerment, education, and digital access. However, concerns remained regarding freedom of expression, press freedom, judicial independence, torture, extrajudicial killings, forced disappearances, protection of minority rights, and political dissent.

Disparities between urban and rural communities, suppression of dissent, and targeted violence against sexual, religious, and ethnic minorities, as well as political opponents, highlighted the pressing need for a more inclusive and just society.

In 2024, after the fall of the Awami League Government due to a violent uprising, the Interim Government, led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus, took power with the promise of upholding human rights, good governance, and the rule of law. His leadership brought renewed hope for addressing these issues through inclusive policies, transparency, and radical reforms. The government’s signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance was a positive step forward.

Muhammad Yunus, 84, winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006, was named the interim leader of the Bangladeshi government in early August. (Photo courtesy of Kings Business Review)

Despite the hope and expectation that the Interim Government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus would bring positive change, we regret to report that the same human rights violations that plagued previous administrations continue unabated. These violations include:

Torture and Extrajudicial Killings: The legacy of extrajudicial killings and torture persists under the Interim Government. Families of the victims continue to face the agony of seeking justice for their loved ones lost to state violence, with little accountability for the perpetrators.

Violence Against Journalists and Lawyers: Journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders remain subject to harassment, intimidation, and violent attacks. The ongoing use of fabricated charges and arbitrary arrests to silence critical voices undermines freedom of expression and the rule of law.

Islamic University students burn Asst. Prof. Hafizul Islam iin effigy at the university's main gate. (Photo courtesy of Ajker Patrika) — In October, homophobic students at Islamic University burned Asst. Prof. Hafizul Islam in effigy at the university’s main gate. He was barred from teaching because of allegations that he is gay. (Photo courtesy of Ajker Patrika)

Violence Against Religious, Ethnic, and Sexual Minorities: Members of the LGBTQ+ community, religious minorities (especially Hindus and Ahmadiyyas), and ethnic groups continue to face violence, discrimination, and marginalization. Arrest, physical assaults, killing and attacks on places of worship, homes, and businesses remain rampant, with insufficient intervention by authorities to protect these vulnerable communities.

Bangladesh: 5 trans women arrested for begging

Political Repression: Political repression continues under the Interim Government, with opposition leaders, activists, and supporters facing arbitrary arrests, fabricated charges, and violence. The suppression of political dissent and the abuse of power to silence critics are troubling signs of authoritarianism that threaten democratic processes.

Attacks on Shrines, Cultural Freedom, and Monuments: Religious shrines and cultural sites face vandalism and arson, while censorship restricts artistic and intellectual freedoms, eroding Bangladesh’s rich heritage. Cultural freedoms are increasingly restricted, with state interference in artistic and intellectual expression.

Judicial Interference in Higher and Lower Courts: Interference in both higher and lower courts undermines justice and the rule of law. Political pressure on judges and intimidation of lawyers compromise fair trials and weaken judicial independence. This ongoing interference threatens the integrity of the legal system, eroding public trust and compromising the fundamental principle of justice for all.

Mob Violence and Public Lynching: Mob violence and public lynching remain widespread, with authorities often ignoring these brutal acts. Such violence not only endangers public safety but also erodes the rule of law, creating a climate of fear and impunity. The failure to hold perpetrators accountable perpetuates a cycle of lawlessness, undermining the justice system and weakening societal trust.

Robert Simon, French Human Rights Activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated, “Under Dr. Yunus’s leadership, there was hope for a fresh start, a chance for Bangladesh to correct its human rights record. Yet, the continuation of torture, extrajudicial killings, and repression of free speech tells us that true change has not yet taken root. The people of Bangladesh deserve better. They deserve peace, justice, and respect for their fundamental rights.”

Bangladeshi human rights lawyer Shahanur Islam. (Photo courtesy of Soja Kotha)

Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladesh Human Rights Lawyers and Founder President of JMBF, added, “The promises of justice, freedom, and equality under Dr. Yunus’s government are being overshadowed by a persistent culture of violence, political persecution, and systemic injustice. It is crucial for the Interim Government to immediately address these ongoing human rights violations and take meaningful steps toward healing and reconciliation.”

On World Human Rights Day 2024, JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls on the Interim Government to:

End Torture and Extrajudicial Killings: The government must urgently investigate cases of torture and extrajudicial killings and hold those responsible fully accountable. Preventive measures, such as independent oversight bodies and stronger accountability frameworks, are essential to prevent future violations. Citizens must be confident that state actors will uphold the highest standards of human rights, and that justice will prevail without bias or impunity.

Protect Journalists and Lawyers: Journalists, lawyers, and human rights defenders are key to safeguarding democracy and the rule of law. The government must end the harassment, fabricated charges, and arbitrary arrests of these professionals. A strong legal framework is needed to ensure their protection from intimidation and violence, allowing them to carry out their work without fear of retribution. The government must reaffirm its commitment to protecting freedom of speech and the right to fair legal defense.

Uphold Minority Rights: Vulnerable groups, including religious, ethnic, and sexual minorities, face ongoing violence and discrimination. The government must enact legal protections, ensure equal access to justice, and promote tolerance and understanding. A zero-tolerance policy must be adopted to address acts of violence and discrimination, with authorities taking swift action against any abuse directed at these communities.

Ensure Political Freedoms: The right to dissent is fundamental to a democratic society. The government must end arbitrary arrests, detention, and persecution of political opponents, activists, and citizens expressing their views. Political prisoners should be released, and a transparent legal process must be established to protect peaceful expression and prevent the misuse of power to silence opposition.

Protect Shrines, Artistic Expression & Cultural Heritage: Cultural heritage is essential to a nation’s identity. The government must protect historical sites, monuments, and cultural practices from destruction and censorship, ensuring that artistic expression and intellectual freedoms are preserved. This will allow cultural creativity to thrive, free from fear of repression.

Ensure Judicial Independence: Judicial independence is critical for justice and the rule of law. Political interference in judicial matters undermines fairness and public trust. The government must ensure judges can make decisions free from external pressure, protect them from retaliation, and restore transparency in the judicial process to guarantee impartial and fair legal proceedings for all.

Bangladesh must honor its commitments to human rights and justice. The world is watching, and the people of Bangladesh deserve a society founded on dignity, freedom, and equality.

The lead author of this article, Mosa. Jannatul Ferdaus, is chief coordinator and member of the executive committee of JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF).

The full statement is on the JMBF website: https://www.jmbf.org/2024/12/statement-jmbf-statement-on-world-human.html#more