Dhaka, May 23, 2025 — In a joint open letter addressed to Kaya Kallas, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, four prominent international organizations have expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation in Bangladesh. The letter, signed by the European Bangladesh Forum (EU & Great Britain), South Asia Democratic Forum (Belgium), Working Group Bangladesh (Germany), and Earth Civilization Network (Turkey), outlines a series of alarming incidents and systemic abuses under the current interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Breakdown of the Concerns:
Post-Government Collapse Turmoil
The letter states that since the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024, democratic standards and human rights protections in Bangladesh have drastically declined. The interim government, according to the letter, is using state institutions for political purposes and undermining the country’s secular and pluralistic traditions. Despite formal commitments, efforts are allegedly underway to reshape the nation’s identity along right-wing Islamist lines.
Targeting of Secular Voices and Minority Rights
Prominent writer and human rights activist Shahriar Kabir has been imprisoned on what the letter describes as a fabricated murder charge and is being denied necessary medical treatment. Since August 5, 2024, a total of 356 cases of journalist detention, abuse, and imprisonment have been recorded. In addition:
• 140 journalists have faced false murder charges,
• 28 have had their bank accounts frozen,
• 167 have had their press accreditations revoked.
Attacks on Religious and Historical Sites
Over 1,500 sculptures and murals have been destroyed, actions likened to the destruction campaigns of the Taliban and ISIL. The residence of the Father of the Nation and homes of opposition figures and cultural icons have been attacked.
Legal Suppression and Intimidation
Prominent lawyer Barrister Tureen Afroz and 64 other pro-Awami League lawyers have been arrested on false charges. Human rights lawyer Ramen Roy has been attacked.
Abduction and Arbitrary Detention
News anchor Meghna Alam was abducted during a live broadcast and later detained under the Special Powers Act of 1974.
Politicization of Cultural Heritage
The UNESCO-listed ‘Mangal Shobhajatra’ was used to project political messages against Sheikh Hasina, undermining the event’s secular values.
Extrajudicial Killings and Mob Violence
Between September 2024 and February 2025, 21 people were killed by law enforcement, and 123 were killed in mob attacks. Former Law Minister Anisul Huq was assaulted on April 28 at the Narayanganj court premises, and MP Dr. Abdul Aziz was attacked during his release from detention on April 8.
Assaults on Cultural Figures
Sculptor Rasha was attacked on May 5, and actor Siddiqur Rahman Siddiq was assaulted on April 29. Multiple other artists have reportedly survived assassination attempts.
Increased Attacks on Minority Communities
There has been a surge in attacks on Hindu, Christian, and indigenous communities, attributed to rising Islamist extremism and political instability.
Rise of Islamist Extremist Control
Groups like Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, and Hizb-ut-Tahrir are reportedly expanding their influence by exploiting the current political vacuum. On May 12, 2025, all activities of the Bangladesh Awami League were banned, signaling a disturbing shift toward mob-led governance.
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Call for International Action
The letter calls upon the European Union to take six urgent actions:
1. Publicly condemn political violence in Bangladesh.
2. Support independent investigations into deaths in police custody and attacks on opposition leaders.
3. Assist in the restoration of democratic processes.
4. Ensure freedom of the press and prevent censorship.
5. Provide humanitarian aid to victims of political violence.
6. Apply diplomatic pressure on the Bangladeshi government to uphold human rights.
The signatories warned that Bangladesh stands at a dangerous crossroads, and without immediate international intervention, the country risks sliding further into bloodshed and instability. They urge the EU to stand with the people of Bangladesh in this critical moment.
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Signatories of the Open Letter:
1. Chris Blackburn
Communications Director, European Bangladesh Forum (EU & Great Britain)
Email: chris.blackburn25@btopenworld.com
2. Paulo Casaca
Executive Director, South Asia Democratic Forum, Brussels
Email: paulo@sadf.eu
3. Klaus Strempel
Working Group Bangladesh, Lower Saxony, Germany
Email: arbeitskreis-bangladesch@gmx.de
4. Tariq Günersel
Poet, Playwright, and Founding Coordinator, Earth Civilization Network, Turkey
Email: tgunersel@gmail.com
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This letter represents a significant escalation in international advocacy over Bangladesh’s current crisis and urges swift EU engagement to help safeguard democracy and human rights in the region.
