Daijiworld Media Network - New York
New York, Oct 9: Human Rights Watch (HRW), the US-based advocacy organisation, has sharply criticised the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government of Bangladesh for reportedly misusing the recently amended counterterrorism legislation to detain alleged supporters of the former Awami League government.
HRW has called on the United Nations human rights team in Bangladesh to demand the immediate release of those arbitrarily held and urged the authorities to uphold fundamental rights while prosecuting individuals involved in unlawful political violence.
The Anti-Terrorism Act, originally enacted in 2009 under the Awami League government of Sheikh Hasina, underwent amendments in 2025 under Yunus’s interim government. According to HRW, these changes were purportedly designed to hold Awami League members accountable for abuses committed during their tenure, responding to pressure from various political parties and student groups.
Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at HRW, condemned the misuse of the law as a form of political repression, urging the government to focus on ensuring safe and inclusive elections instead.
HRW emphasised that suppressing peaceful speech and association violates international human rights standards. The organisation highlighted that thousands have been arrested during the interim government’s tenure, many on questionable murder charges, with a significant number held under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
The Bangladesh Editors’ Council had previously warned that the amendments risk curtailing freedom of expression and restricting media independence. While Yunus denies any restrictions on free speech, HRW remains concerned.
Further criticism from HRW points to the interim government’s failure to curb violence by radical Islamist groups, which have attacked both Awami League supporters and women’s rights activists. Reports from Dhaka’s Ain O Salish Kendra reveal that at least 152 people have been killed in mob violence since January.
Reflecting the tense environment, a political activist told HRW, “Right now, our choices are to be either jailed as terrorists or to face a mob. I am not saying the guilty should not be punished, but it has to be a fair justice system, which the Yunus government has failed to deliver.”
HRW’s report paints a grim picture of Bangladesh’s current political climate, highlighting the urgent need for judicial fairness and respect for human rights amid growing authoritarian tendencies.