HRW urges Bangladesh interim government to address human rights abuses

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Bangladesh's interim government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, to prioritise the protection and promotion of human rights in the wake of the recent political turmoil. 

In an open letter, HRW outlined recommendations aimed at rebuilding respect for human rights, holding perpetrators accountable, and addressing the deep-rooted issues that fueled the recent unrest.

The letter, addressed to Chief Adviser Yunus, highlighted the violent crackdown on protests that ultimately led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. 

According to HRW, the crackdown resulted in over 440 deaths and thousands of injuries between 15 July and 5 August 2024. Nearly 10,000 people were arrested during law enforcement operations, and an 11-day internet blackout hampered efforts to document the abuses.

HRW acknowledged the interim government's initial steps to calm the situation and investigate the use of excessive force during the protests. The organisation commended the release of those arrested for participating in the protests and the decision to drop charges against them. However, HRW emphasised that more must be done to ensure justice for past abuses and to establish a rights-based foundation for the future.

HRW urged the interim government to support a United Nations Human Rights Council (HRC) resolution that would establish an independent mechanism to investigate the violent incidents of July and August 2024. The proposed mechanism would also address past abuses, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture.

"Security forces have killed hundreds of people, including opposition members and activists, in "crossfire" incidents or "gunfights," euphemisms for extrajudicial killings in which the authorities falsely claim that the suspect was shot during an armed exchange. In May 2018—six months before the general election—Sheikh Hasina announced a "war on drugs" to be led by the Rapid Action Battalion after a reported rise in methamphetamine sales and use. Under the guise of the war on drugs, law enforcement officers reportedly killed more than 450 people that year. Many of them targeted alleged drug traders and users, while activists allege that some killings also targeted and served to intimidate members of the opposition and to silence critics," the letter stated. 

"The interim government should ensure that security forces do not engage in arbitrary arrests while investigating allegations of corruption and rights abuses."

HRW also called for the disbandment of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), citing its involvement in past human rights violations.

In addition to addressing security forces' actions, HRW called for reforms in the judiciary, the National Human Rights Commission, and other institutions. 

The organisation emphasised the need for an independent Election Commission to ensure free and fair elections in the future.

HRW also highlighted the plight of minority communities including Chittagong Hill Tracts, and the Rohingya refugees in Bangladesh. The organisation called on the government to protect the rights of these vulnerable groups and to seek international support for resolving the crisis in Myanmar's Rakhine State.

The letter also touched on economic issues, urging the government to address inequality and corruption. HRW recommended reforms in social protection programs, tax policies, and labor rights to ensure a more equitable distribution of resources and opportunities.

"While Bangladesh has made economic progress, the recent protests reflect the frustration of that progress being unevenly shared," HRW noted.

The letter concluded with a call for the protection of journalists, human rights activists, and civil society organisations, emphasising the need for a democratic environment where freedom of expression is respected