The Voice News: The interim government’s recent legislative actions in Bangladesh have put fundamental freedoms at risk, Human Rights Watch (HRW) reported on Wednesday (May 21).
According to the report, on May 12, the government invoked newly amended provisions of the Anti-Terrorism Act to impose a temporary ban on the Awami League. The ban includes restrictions on public gatherings, publications, and online expressions in support of the party.
The report further noted that a draft law intended to address enforced disappearances fails to meet international standards and is insufficient in ensuring accountability for past abuses.
HRW stated that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government has previously abused legal powers to suppress political opponents. However, applying the same restrictive measures against supporters of the ruling Awami League also violates fundamental freedoms.
Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, commented, “The draft law on enforced disappearances does very little to deliver justice to the hundreds of victims and their families who suffered such abuses under Hasina’s regime.”
Describing the interim government’s recent actions as “deeply concerning,” HRW stated that the Awami League would remain under restriction until its leaders face trial—a process that could take years. This effectively bans the party from functioning. All forms of publications, media activities, online and social media presence, campaigns, rallies, meetings, and conferences related to the party have been prohibited.
HRW emphasized that this ban undermines the freedom of expression of the party’s supporters. The Awami League has been active since before Bangladesh’s independence and maintains a large support base. Following the suspension, the Election Commission also revoked the party’s registration.
The report also pointed out that the interim government issued an ordinance amending the International Crimes (Tribunals) Act of 1973, granting the tribunal authority to prosecute and dissolve political organizations. The new provisions broadly define “organization,” potentially including political parties, affiliated groups, and individuals who promote or support such groups. This could violate international standards for due process and freedom of association.
While HRW stressed the importance of ensuring justice for crimes committed under the Hasina government, it warned that restricting speech or activities in support of a political party constitutes an excessive infringement on fundamental freedoms. These measures, the report concluded, reflect a continuation of the repressive tactics used by the previous government against political opposition.