Human Rights Watch reports political repression in Bangladesh

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused the current government in Bangladesh of continuing a ‘cycle of political repression’ through mass arrests and the targeting of perceived political opponents.

Despite pledges from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to restore the rule of law, HRW reports that hundreds of members from the banned Awami League are currently detained, many without formal charges. The organization noted that violations committed by the previous Awami League administration do not justify similar actions by the current government.

A recent incident involved the detention of approximately 290 supporters of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal during a meeting in Dhaka on September 26. Authorities acted after members of the BNP’s youth wing, Jubo Dal, alleged the gathering was a secret meeting of the Awami League. Additionally, 27 individuals were remanded in custody following allegations of chanting ‘Joy Bangla’, a slogan associated with the former Awami League government.