Bangladesh: Awami League rails against deteriorating human rights under Yunus administration

United News of India

23-05-2025

Dhaka, May 22 (UNI) Bangladesh's Awami League has slammed the country's Army-backed interim administration, led by Muhammad Yunus, for the controversial ban imposed on the party and the collapse of human rights.
Drawing attention to a report by Human Rights Watch this year, the party noted that since the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government in August 2024, there has been significant international concern and condemnation for the suppression of fundamental freedoms and enabling of Islamic extremists, despite early promises to restore democracy.
According to The Human Rights Watch, the controversial ban on the Awami League—the country's founding group and its oldest party led by ex-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina — enforced earlier this month under new amendments to the Anti-Terrorism Act, has prohibited all political activity and speech in support of the party.
Besides, the Election Commission later revoked the party's registration entirely. Also, a sweeping re-interpretation of the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act has allowed authorities to prosecute individuals and organisations deemed to support banned groups.
The Human Rights Watch and other observers have highlighted the failure of the new government to address the alleged human rights violations committed under the Awami League's 15-year rule, particularly enforced disappearances. A commission established to investigate these cases has documented over 1,600 complaints, with nearly 200 people still missing.
However, the proposed legislation fails to meet international standards, lacks independence, and excludes systemic abuses from its scope—effectively shielding security forces and high-ranking officials from accountability.
Since Yunus's rise to power, the country has seen a marked fall in social stability, with increased harassment of civil society groups by mobs, Islamic groups, and the policy.
The groups, comprising social workers, activists, lawyers, writers, journalists, academics, among others have reported a sharp uptick in politically motivated arrests of artists, journalists, and opposition activists.
Over 11,000 people have reportedly been detained in the government's 'Operation Devil Hunt' campaign targeting Awami League supporters.
Simultaneously, minority and indigenous communities have experienced rising violence and intimidation. Attacks on Hindu temples and tribal students, as well as a softening of secular education policies, suggest increasing influence of conservative Islamist elements within the state.
The inclusion of individuals with known radical links in advisory positions has further fuelled concerns about Bangladesh's long-standing secular identity.
Despite promises to uphold democratic values, Yunus's administration is now increasingly being accused of authoritarianism, and uprooting the country's traditional democratic, socialist, pluralistic, secular, and nationalistic fabric, in favour of a radical theocratic government. Human rights advocates are calling for the interim government to protect civil liberties, allow political opposition, ensure accountability for past abuses, and resist creeping religious extremism. UNI ANV SSP