Human Rights Day today: Activists seek justice for 15 years of violations under AL regime

As Human Rights Day is celebrated across the globe today, activists and organisations called for justice for extrajudicial killings and other rights violations during the 15 years of Awami League rule.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) demanded the formation of a neutral commission to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings since 2009, adherence to High Court directives on arrests and detentions, and accountability for those involved in violations.

According to a report by the human rights organisation Odhikar, 2,699 people were victims of extrajudicial killings between 2009 and 2023. Additionally, 677 individuals became victims of enforced disappearance, and 1,048 died in custody during the same period.

The report accused the AL government of using law enforcement agencies to carry out extrajudicial killings, abductions, and torture, targeting political opponents, critics, and dissenters.

Alleged violations include killings during crossfires, torture, extortion under the threat of death or arrest, and property looting.

ASK, in their press release, also called for several measures to improve the human rights situation in Bangladesh.

They urged the government to address mob lynchings, reform discriminatory laws affecting women's rights, and ensure the professionalism of law enforcement agencies.

The organisation further recommended amendments to the National Human Rights Commission Act, 2009, and adopting an open and participatory process for appointing commission members.

While activists acknowledged some improvement in the human rights situation following the fall of Sheikh Hasina's government on 5 August, they stressed that violations have not ceased entirely.

Calls for accountability

Human rights activist Nure Alam Khan Liton, a member of the interim government's commission to probe enforced disappearance, said, "Countless incidents of abductions, murders, and torture in police custody have occurred over the past 15 years. Those responsible must be identified and brought to justice."

He noted that while abductions and murders have largely ceased, incidents of human rights violations persist in various regions.

He also highlighted the interim government's positive steps, citing the formation of the commission as evidence of its commitment to protecting human rights.

Barrister Jyotirmoy Barua, a Supreme Court lawyer and human rights activist, described the human rights situation under the Awami League government as "terrible."

He expressed disappointment that conditions have not significantly improved in the four months since the interim government took power.

"In some cases, the situation has worsened, which is deeply concerning," Barua said.

He pointed to a recent incident in Sylhet where a Youth League leader's house was set on fire, resulting in the deaths of the leader's mother and aunt.

"These violations, such as burning people alive, are unacceptable. We demand justice for all such incidents, including personal losses incurred during the Awami League regime," he added.

Jyotirmoy also called for opening a United Nations Human Rights Commission office in Dhaka to monitor the human rights situation closely.

He argued that such an office could act as a professional oversight body, compelling the government to take necessary measures to protect human rights.

"As a nation committed to upholding human rights, we must ensure accountability and reform," he said.

Bangladesh will join other countries in marking Human Rights Day today under the theme "Our Rights, Our Future, Right Now", amid renewed calls for justice and accountability for past violations.