A new report by Human Rights Watch states that arbitrary arrests in Bangladesh and adorable violence in Bangladesh underlined the immediate need for systemic reforms after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ended the rule by large scale protests in August 2024. .
A 50-hit report of Human Rights Watch after the monsoon revolution underlines the recommendations to address long-term issues of the country’s political repression under the title “A roadmap for permanent security sector improvement in Bangladesh”. The report highlights the need for reforms focused on the separation of powers and political neutrality in important institutions like judiciary, civil service, police and army.
While the interim government has made significant progress towards institutional accountability, Human Rights Watch has warned that this progress can be threatened without sharp and structural reforms that ensure permanent democratic rule.
Ellen Piercene, director of Asia, Human Rights Watch, said, “Around 1,000 Bangladeshis lost their lives while fighting for democracy, began a historic opportunity to create a right-respecting future in Bangladesh.” “This hard-winning progress can all lose if the interim government does not create swift and structural reforms that can face any suppression by future governments.”
According to Human Rights Watch, since assuming the post, the head of the interim government, Muhammad Yunus, who was appointed by the students after Hasina’s departure, has committed to implement the major reforms. The interim government has also promised to abolish practices such as extraordinary murders and disappearance. Six commissions have been established to address reforms in important areas including electoral system, justice system, public administration, police, anti -corruption measures and constitution. In February, Younus is expected to implement recommendations from these commissions.
The interim government is being urged to present a resolution in the march session of the United Nations Human Rights Council to ensure continuous monitoring and reporting on the condition of human rights of Bangladesh. Human Rights Watch has asked Donor governments to support security sector reforms, but warned against doing so without meaningful structural changes.
However, infection in democratic rule has not been without failures. Human Rights Watch has documented the revival of abuses by security forces, this time former Awami League supporters have been targeted. Arbitrary autocracy, collective complaints against unnamed persons, and threats are prevalent. In just two months, more than 1,000 police cases have been registered against thousands of people, mainly against members of the Awami League. More than 400 ministers and leaders of the former ruling party are facing investigation.
Family members of the victims killed during the monsoon revolution were also pressurizing the Awami League to signed police reports in exchange for the recognition of the killings of their relatives. “If we do not compete with radicalism and anti-Jews, Holocaust will not be a past phenomenon that we remember and learn, but will have to face a reality. Now never again, ”Ellen Pearson warned, pointing to the high stake of inaction.
The interim government has accused the United Nations Conference on disappearance and an alternative protocol for convention against torture is being urged. It should also be invited to prevent the United Nations Deputy Committee to make recommendations on addressing inhuman practices.
Human Rights Watch also expressed concern over the treatment of journalists under the interim government. By November, the authorities had filed allegations of murder against at least 140 journalists related to their coverage of the monsoon revolution. More than 150 press beliefs were canceled, and the allegations of treason were brought against 19 persons accused of uprooting the national flag.
Additionally, violent attacks against minority communities including Hindus have allegedly become uncontrolled, questioning police accountability. While Yunus has promised to honor the free speech, recent works by the authorities have denied this commitment.
Ellen Piercene, director of Asia, Human Rights Watch, said, “The interim government should support the United Nations for cement structural reforms so that the abuses of the past do not become a blueprint for the future of Bangladesh.”
Human Rights Watch emphasized the importance of independent civil inspection on law enforcement, rearing international standards on force use, and accountability for any violations. Member countries are being called to work with the interim government regularly to establish the United Nations monitoring and ensure that the reforms have not returned after the current administration’s tenure.
Bangladesh is high as a delicate infection. The ability of the interim government to implement permanent reforms can determine whether the nation achieves a permanent democratic future or is harassed by the legacy of its autocratic past.