A high-profile press conference held at the Geneva Press Club has brought renewed international attention to the worsening human rights situation in Bangladesh. Organized by the All European Freedom Fighter Sangsad, the event focused on the persecution of ethnic minorities, suppression of journalists and writers, and broader concerns regarding the country’s democratic decline.
Legal Experts and Activists Condemn Repressive Measures
The press conference featured a panel of distinguished legal experts, political figures, and human rights activists, all of whom voiced concerns over escalating state repression in Bangladesh. Mr. Aminur Rahman Khosru, President of the All European Freedom Fighter Sangsad, chaired the event, emphasizing the growing threats to free speech and minority rights.
Mr. Fazlur Rehman Afridi, a human rights activist with an international NGO, moderated the discussion, highlighting the importance of global solidarity in addressing Bangladesh’s deteriorating civil liberties.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Paulo Casaca, former Member of the European Parliament (MEP) and Executive Director of the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF), criticized the Bangladeshi government’s increasing authoritarianism. He pointed to widespread political oppression, arrests of journalists, and violence against minority communities as key indicators of Bangladesh’s democratic backsliding.
Crackdown on Journalists and Digital Suppression
The panelists condemned the Digital Security Act (DSA), describing it as a weapon used by the Bangladeshi government to silence dissenting voices. Barrister Tania Amir, a Supreme Court lawyer and constitutional scholar, argued that the law enables arbitrary arrests and criminalizes free expression, severely undermining democracy.
Lawyer and blogger Nijum Mojumder detailed how digital activists face constant surveillance, harassment, and legal threats, leading many to flee the country. “Bloggers and journalists are being treated as criminals simply for expressing their opinions,” he said.
Persecution of Ethnic and Religious Minorities
The oppression of religious and ethnic minorities was another focal point of the discussion. Mr. Puspita Gupta, President of the Bangladesh Secular Movement in the UK, provided evidence of land grabs, mob violence, and religious persecution targeting Hindu, Buddhist, and indigenous communities. He accused Bangladeshi authorities of failing to protect these vulnerable groups and called for urgent international intervention.
Political Suppression and Democratic Concerns
The speakers also addressed the arbitrary detention, forced disappearances, and extrajudicial killings of opposition figures in Bangladesh. Mr. Nazrul Islam, President of the All European Awami League, acknowledged the need for security but urged the government to stop using force to suppress political dissent.
Calls for International Action
The panelists called upon European policymakers, the United Nations, and global human rights organizations to:
Increase diplomatic pressure on Bangladesh to repeal repressive laws.
Support independent media and human rights defenders facing persecution.
Hold Bangladeshi authorities accountable through international legal mechanisms.
Launch awareness campaigns to highlight the deteriorating human rights situation.
The conference concluded with a strong call for coordinated international efforts to address Bangladesh’s human rights crisis. Speakers emphasized that without immediate action, the country risks further political instability and suppression of fundamental freedoms.