HRW: Bangladesh’s Interim Government Undermining Basic Freedoms
Mohammad Shariful Alam Chowdhury : The international human rights organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has expressed concern that recent actions by Bangladesh’s interim government risk undermining fundamental freedoms of the people. In a report published on Wednesday, May 21, HRW stated that instead of initiating judicial reforms, the authorities have adopted a policy of suppressing supporters of the former ruling party, the Awami League.
According to the report, on May 12 of this year, the government imposed a ban on Awami League gatherings, rallies, publications, and online campaigns using the country’s Anti-Terrorism Act. HRW noted that the previous government also engaged in repressive practices by abusing power, and this new move indicates that the interim government may violate fundamental freedoms just as the Awami League administration did.
Regarding enforced disappearances, the report highlights that the previous government failed to take sufficient steps to ensure accountability for those involved in such crimes. Furthermore, the draft law aimed at preventing disappearances does not meet international standards.
Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy director for Asia at HRW, said that the draft legislation lacks an adequate framework to ensure justice for the victims of enforced disappearances and their families during the previous administration.
HRW described the interim government's recent actions against the Awami League as "disappointing." The government has announced that restrictions on Awami League leaders will remain in place until the conclusion of their trials. However, as legal proceedings may take several years, HRW argues that this essentially amounts to banning the party altogether.
The report further notes that the Awami League has been active since before Bangladesh’s independence and commands a vast support base. By imposing such restrictions, the government is effectively curtailing the freedom of expression of millions of its supporters. Following the ban, the Election Commission of Bangladesh has also revoked the party’s official registration.
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