Dhaka, March 21, 2025:
Seven prominent human rights organizations, including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, CIVICUS, and PEN America, have issued a joint statement urging the interim government of Bangladesh to uphold freedom of expression and immediately halt the ongoing wave of arrests, harassment, and violence targeting journalists and human rights defenders.
The joint appeal, published under the index ASA 13/9165/2025, expresses alarm over the sharp rise in violations of free speech and opinion in recent weeks. The groups highlighted that while some attacks are carried out by non-state actors, the government is constitutionally and legally obligated to protect citizens from such threats.
“Bangladesh has a long history of suppressing free expression,” the statement read. “To build a rights-respecting future, it is essential to break from that past.”
Despite these calls, the interim government under Dr. Muhammad Yunus has faced growing criticism for its inaction. Rights organizations have condemned the administration’s silence on a series of serious incidents, including a reported gang rape, numerous arbitrary arrests of journalists, and other alleged abuses.
Observers note that the human rights situation in Bangladesh has remained volatile since the ousting of longtime Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina eight months ago. While hopes were initially high for reform under the new leadership, many now accuse the Yunus-led government of failing to protect fundamental freedoms.
Groups involved in the appeal also include ARTICLE 19, FORUM-ASIA, Fortify Rights, and Front Line Defenders. Their statement calls on the government not only to prevent abuses but to actively promote an environment where free expression is respected and protected.
So far, no official response has been issued by the interim administration.