Human Rights Watch has raised concerns over recent legislative actions by Bangladesh’s interim government, warning that they may erode basic civil liberties and democratic norms. The watchdog has called for the protection of human rights and a return to constitutional governance.
Despite earlier pledges to reform the justice system and ensure accountability for past abuses, the interim administration led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus appears to be adopting repressive measures reminiscent of its predecessor.
On 12th May, the government imposed a "temporary" ban on the Awami League party under sweeping new powers conferred by a controversial amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act. This prohibition extends to public gatherings, printed materials, and online expressions of support for the party.
Simultaneously, a draft law purportedly addressing enforced disappearances has drawn criticism for falling short of international human rights standards and for failing to offer justice or redress to victims and their families. These disappearances were widespread under the administration of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“Sheikh Hasina’s government was notorious for using legal instruments to suppress dissent. For the current government to employ similar tactics against supporters of the Awami League is equally unacceptable,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch. “The proposed legislation on enforced disappearances does little to ensure accountability or healing for the hundreds of families affected.”
Sheikh Hasina’s government was overthrown on 5th August 2024, following three weeks of nationwide protests that left approximately 1,400 people dead. The transitional government led by Professor Yunus had vowed to uphold democratic principles and human rights ahead of a planned general election. While certain steps towards reform have been taken, these latest actions have cast a shadow over those initial commitments.