[🇧🇩] Human Rights and Bangladesh

[Saif]

Where is the rule of law?

HRSS report paints a grim picture of human rights violations

www.thedailystar.net

Where is the rule of law?
HRSS report paints a grim picture of human rights violations

VISUAL: STAR

The latest half-yearly report by the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) reveals a worrying trend in rights violations during the first half of the year. The rights group has reported an alarming rise in incidents of violence against women and children, including rape, as well as political killings, mob lynchings, assaults on journalists, custodial deaths, and attacks targeting minorities and religious shrines. In addition to these abuses, the report also highlights a sharp increase in crimes such as extortion, theft, snatching, robbery, and murder. Such persistent violations have shaken people's trust in law enforcement in post-uprising Bangladesh, where many had hoped the rule of law would be firmly upheld.

In the first half of the year, at least 1,042 women and girls were reportedly subjected to sexual violence, with an alarming 60 percent of victims being minors. Of the 476 documented rape cases, 292 involved minors. The persistence of these incidents—including the recent rapes in Cumilla and Bhola, the brutal rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Magura, and the death of a six-year-old in Munshiganj after a rape attempt—highlights deeper, systemic failures.

The sharp rise in mob violence during this time has also exposed a troubling state of the country's law-and-order situation. According to the report, 141 incidents across Bangladesh led to 67 deaths and 119 injuries. Data from Ain o Salish Kendra reveals that 179 individuals have been killed by mob attacks between August 2024 and June 23 this year. While these figures are deeply alarming, what is equally disturbing is the lack of proper response and accountability from law enforcement agencies.

During the first half of the year, at least 529 incidents of political violence were also reported, leaving 79 dead and over 4,100 injured. The HRSS also documented an alarming rise in custodial deaths and enforced disappearances—40 deaths in jail custody and 14 in law enforcement-related incidents. Journalists also faced mounting threats during this period, with 257 subjected to harassment or assault in 152 incidents. Additionally, legal action was taken against 92 journalists under the Cyber Security Act.

This situation must be reversed. We urge the government to ensure the rule of law across the country. Impunity for violence against women, child abuse, and increasing rape incidents must end, and swift action is needed to curb mob violence. However, restoring justice is not the government's responsibility alone. Political parties and civil society must also step up, as reversing the current trend requires a combined effort. The fundamental and constitutional rights of citizens must be protected through effective control of the law-and-order situation.​

 

[Saif]

Advisers' council approves draft MoU to establish UN Human Rights office in Dhaka

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved the final draft of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangladesh. The draft has been sent to the OHCHR headquarters in Geneva for approval. If accepted, a UN

thefinancialexpress.com.bd

Advisers' council approves draft MoU to establish UN Human Rights office in Dhaka

FE ONLINE REPORT
Published :
Jul 10, 2025 18:08
Updated :
Jul 10, 2025 19:16

The Council of Advisers on Thursday approved the final draft of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for establishing a mission of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) in Bangladesh.

The draft has been sent to the OHCHR headquarters in Geneva for approval. If accepted, a UN Human Rights mission will be set up in Dhaka for an initial period of three years.

The decision came during a meeting of the Council of Advisers held at the Chief Adviser’s Office in Tejgaon, with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus presiding.

The establishment of the OHCHR mission marks a significant move by the interim government to reinforce its commitment to transparency, human rights protection, and international cooperation following the country’s political transition, officials said.

In addition to the OHCHR MoU, the Council approved two ordinances and two other key proposals. These include the ‘National Sports Council (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025’, aimed at modernising sports governance in Bangladesh, and the ‘Moheshkhali Integrated Development Authority Ordinance, 2025’, which seeks to streamline development initiatives in the coastal island region.

Another notable decision from the meeting was the approval of a proposal to open a new Consulate General of Bangladesh in Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The consulate is expected to serve the growing Bangladeshi diaspora in southern Malaysia and strengthen bilateral ties.

The Council also approved a proposal for Bangladesh to accede to the Optional Protocol to the Convention against Torture (OP-CAT), a step seen as a reaffirmation of the country’s pledge to combat torture and uphold international human rights standards.

Meanwhile, the meeting also addressed the ongoing flood and waterlogging crisis in Feni and Noakhali districts due to recent heavy rains. Advisers from the relevant ministries briefed the Council on emergency measures, including dam repair, riverbank protection, and infrastructure rehabilitation—partly funded by the World Bank.

Discussions were also held on finalising the designs for the Musapur Regulator and Bamni Closure, constructing permanent dams in Feni, and clearing drainage canals in Noakhali to prevent future disasters.

The Council reaffirmed the government’s resolve to respond effectively to the crisis and expedite long-term climate resilience projects in vulnerable regions.​

 

[Saif]

‘No proof of communal violence’ Police reject minority groups’ claims

The interim government yesterday said it found no evidence to support the recent allegations, made by two minority organisations, of communal violence.

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‘No proof of communal violence’ Police reject minority groups’ claims

The interim government yesterday said it found no evidence to support the recent allegations, made by two minority organisations, of communal violence.

Citing a statement by the Bangladesh Police, the chief adviser's press wing in a statement said, "Bangladesh Police are investigating each reported incident with utmost diligence and seriousness, following the facts wherever they lead.

"So far, no evidence of communal violence has been found; only individual acts of aggression. Rest assured, the police remain committed to safeguarding the safety and security of all citizens, institutions, and religious establishments in Bangladesh."

On July 10, the Bangladesh Hindu Bouddha Christian Oikya Parishad (Bangladesh Hindu Buddhist Christian Unity Council) and the Minority Unity Alliance at a press conference said 27 individuals were killed in communal attacks between January and June this year. They also claimed that 2,442 incidents of communal violence occurred over the past 11 months.

According to the CA press wing, police reviewed all 27 reported deaths -- 22 were registered as murder cases, and five were classified as unnatural deaths. None, police said, were linked to communal motives.

As part of the investigations, 48 individuals were arrested, 15 surrendered, and 18 gave confessional statements under section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code.

The government reiterated that none of the deaths were driven by communal motives.

The July 10 press conference also cited 20 incidents of sexual violence, including gang rapes. Police registered cases in 16 of them and arrested 25 individuals. No formal complaints were lodged in the remaining three, the press wing's statement said.

The two organisations further claimed that the majority of incidents occurred during a two-week period from August 4 to August 20, 2024, reporting 2,010 incidents, including 1,769 attacks and assaults on minorities.

In response, police said they have verified 1,457 of these incidents across 56 districts.

Other allegations included 60 incidents of theft, vandalism, and arson at temples, as well as land grabbing and attempted evictions of minority community members.

The organisations further claimed that the majority of the violence occurred between August 4 and 20, 2024, citing a total of 2,010 incidents -- including 1,769 communal attacks and assaults.

According to police, 1,457 of these incidents were verified across 56 districts.

Of the 1,769 incidents, 62 cases were formally filed, while 951 were recorded as general diaries, meaning complaints were officially documented but no formal criminal case had been filed.

Police reported that 35 individuals were arrested in connection with these cases.

Investigations revealed that 1,452 incidents (82.8 percent) took place on August 5, 2024, with 1,234 linked to political disputes. A total of 161 incidents could not be substantiated.

Between August 5, 2024, and January 2, 2025, there were 127 reported incidents involving puja mandaps. Of these, 66 cases were filed and 61 logged as GDs, resulting in the arrest of 64 suspects.

Further allegations included 60 incidents of theft, vandalism, and arson at temples, as well as land grabbing and attempted evictions of minority community members.

The Oikya Parishad stated it would release more information on additional incidents. Once those details are received, police will examine them and provide updates, the press wing said.

Responding to the press wing's statement, Manindra Kumar Nath, acting general secretary of the parishad, told The Daily Star, "We gathered information through newspapers and our local representatives. We consider these incidents to be communal attacks."​

 

[Saif]

UN human rights mission to launch in Bangladesh, MoU signed

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to launch a mission in Bangladesh for three years. The two sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this end. Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, while UN High Commissioner for Human Rights...

en.prothomalo.com

UN human rights mission to launch in Bangladesh, MoU signed
Diplomatic Correspondent Dhaka
Updated: 18 Jul 2025, 16: 48

The United Nations Human Rights Council is set to launch a mission in Bangladesh for a three-year period. The two sides have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to this end.

Foreign Secretary Asad Alam Siam signed the MoU on behalf of Bangladesh, while UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk signed on behalf of the United Nations.

According to a statement issued today, Friday, from the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights’ office in Geneva, the MoU was signed earlier this week with the aim of promoting and protecting human rights in Bangladesh over a three-year period.

The statement notes that the UN’s engagement with Bangladesh has significantly increased since August of last year.

It further said, the Human Rights Council has been working with various stakeholders to advance reforms and conduct coordinated fact-finding missions, particularly concerning the violence during the recent mass uprising.

Volker Türk stated that this MoU sends a strong signal about the importance of safeguarding interim human rights protections in Bangladesh.

It will enable my office to better support the implementation of our fact-finding recommendations and help facilitate direct engagement and experience-sharing with the government, civil society, and experts, he added.

The new mission will provide training and technical assistance to government agencies to help fulfill national and international human rights commitments.

It will also work to enhance the capacity of both government institutions and civil society representatives.​

 

[Saif]

A UN rights office can make law enforcers accountable

Signing of three-year MoU paves the way for UNHRO to open a mission in Bangladesh

www.thedailystar.net

A UN rights office can make law enforcers accountable
Signing of three-year MoU paves the way for UNHRO to open a mission in Bangladesh

VISUAL: STAR

The interim government's decision to host a mission of the UN Human Rights Office in Bangladesh to promote and protect human rights is a positive step. The decision, one may recall, follows a UN fact-finding mission (OHCHR) investigation conducted not long after the July-August uprising, which documented widespread abuses by state forces under the Awami League regime. Generally, OHCHR country offices are invited by national governments during periods of significant transition, vulnerability, or post-conflict reform.

In Bangladesh, however, its opening with the signing of a three-year MoU between Bangladesh and UN officials has been preceded by protests from certain religious groups. The government has also acknowledged their concerns, particularly about the perceived ideological orientation of UN human rights bodies, and sought to address them through a press statement. In that, it stated that the OHCHR mission will "focus on addressing and preventing serious human rights abuses, such as those perpetrated by the previous government, and ensuring accountability for violations," adding that it will not serve to promote any social agenda that falls outside the country's established legal, social and cultural framework. Bangladesh also retains the sovereign authority to withdraw from the agreement should it "determine that the partnership no longer aligns with national interests," the statement says.

The OHCHR, following its fact-finding mission, made some important recommendations which its office in Dhaka can help implement. Among other things, it called for independent investigations and prosecutions for killings, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and gender-based violence. Under the police and security sector reforms, it called for reducing use of lethal force, banning certain types of ammunition, reforming police training, establishing an independent police oversight commission, disbanding RAB, etc.

That said, Bangladesh's horrific track record of human rights violations demands that such an international, independent body be set up to act as a watchdog over the government and state machinery in their treatment of citizens. The Sheikh Hasina regime is an example of how a government can abuse its power by using various institutions and agencies to clamp down on citizens whenever it wants to, without facing consequences. Enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, and gender-based violence were some of the persistent human rights abuses of the AL regime. During the July-August crackdown, the state's use of excessive force resulted in over 1,400 deaths.

The OHCHR, following its fact-finding mission, made some important recommendations which its office in Dhaka can help implement. Among other things, it called for independent investigations and prosecutions for killings, torture, enforced disappearances, sexual violence, and gender-based violence. Under the police and security sector reforms, it called for reducing use of lethal force, banning certain types of ammunition, reforming police training, establishing an independent police oversight commission, disbanding RAB, etc. Other recommendations include ending unlawful surveillance of journalists, activists, and political opponents, and holding independent inquiries into surveillance practices.

Going forward, we also hope that the UN rights office can help raise the bar for local watchdogs like the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), which currently has no binding or enforcement powers and cannot compel government agencies or law enforcement to take specific actions. The NHRC cannot even independently investigate abuses by police, military, or other agencies. We must acknowledge that the UNHRO's increasing presence of late signals Bangladesh's increasing willingness to be transparent and to remove the culture of impunity that has long become entrenched within state institutions. We must ensure this journey towards protecting rights continues undeterred.​