Bangladesh constitutional crisis discussed at Geneva seminar

During a seminar in Geneva held alongside the 63rd Human Rights Session of the United Nations, participants raised alarms regarding a constitutional and political crisis in Bangladesh.

Paulo Casaca, Executive Director of the South Asia Democratic Forum, described the nation as facing a ‘dire situation’ characterized by an unconstitutional government and restrictions on political opposition. Casaca noted that the country’s main political party has been outlawed and raised concerns regarding the persecution of journalists, restrictions on freedom of expression, and alleged persecution within the education sector. He also linked the political instability to the government’s economic inability to meet its obligations.

Human rights activist Rahman Khalilur Mamun characterized the banning of the political party associated with Bangladesh’s 1971 independence as ‘very unlawful’ and ‘very undemocratic.’ During the event, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivered an online speech expressing solidarity. Casaca noted that Hasina’s stated intention to return to Bangladesh in December could potentially help ‘unlock the present constitutional process.’