In the wake of the July 2024 uprising in Bangladesh, which saw the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government and the rise of an interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus, human rights organizations Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) and Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) have released alarming reports. Despite assurances of ending extrajudicial killings, these reports paint a grim picture of continued human rights abuses.
Extrajudicial Killings and Custodial Deaths:
Over the first five months under the interim government, ASK documented 12 deaths either in custody or through extrajudicial means. MSF separately reported 98 deaths due to mob lynchings in the same timeframe.
The ASK report noted a slight decrease in the frequency of these killings but emphasized the lack of impartial investigations and fair trials, with 21 individuals killed in 2024, 12 of which happened under the current regime.
Mob Violence and Lynching:
A significant surge in mob violence was documented, with ASK reporting 128 deaths from mass beatings in 2024 compared to 51 in the previous year. MSF’s statistics showed 146 mob lynchings, 98 occurring post-August.
The reports highlighted incidents where the public took justice into their own hands, including the brutal beating of individuals, some of which were politically motivated. For instance, Abdullah Al Masud, a former student leader, was killed despite his disability.
Judicial and Political Repression:
The interim government has been marked by unprecedented judicial incidents, including the pelting of eggs at judges and the suspension of 12 High Court judges. There were also instances of political detainees being assaulted, lawyers harassed, and professionals charged with crimes seemingly to coerce or extort them.
Impunity and Legal Amnesties:
A controversial statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 14 promised no legal action for activities during the uprising from July 15 to August 8. However, this has raised concerns about impunity, particularly for violent crimes, with human rights activists like Sara Hossain calling for clarity on this policy to prevent it from being used as a shield for criminal acts.
Deaths in Custody:
The reports revealed 65 deaths in prisons in 2024, with a disturbing pattern in Bogra where four Awami League leaders died within a short span, all attributed to “heart disease,” prompting calls for further investigation.
Journalist Harassment:
Post-election, journalists faced increased threats with 531 instances of torture, harassment, and obstacles in their work, including the cancellation of accreditation cards and lawsuits, especially after the Anti-discrimination Student Movement where 30 journalists were attacked and 130 faced legal action.
Attacks on Minorities:
The Hindu minority faced 147 incidents of vandalism against their homes, temples, and businesses, with three deaths and numerous injuries reported. The reports also covered attacks on the Ahmadiyya community. Notable was the killing of Chattogram lawyer Saiful Islam Alif after the arrest of an ISKCON leader, and the violent reaction to a social media post by Akash Das in Sunamganj, leading to mob violence and property damage.
These reports from ASK and MSF underline a continuing crisis in human rights in Bangladesh, with particular emphasis on the need for legal accountability, protection of minorities, and the press, and a transparent investigation into all forms of violence and deaths. The interim government’s response to these issues will be crucial in determining the path toward a rights-respecting Bangladesh.
