In August 2024, Bangladesh witnessed a historic mass uprising. Led by aggrieved students protesting against discriminatory job quotas and authoritarian repression, a nationwide movement emerged with the aim of ensuring justice, human dignity, and democratic rights. The people’s struggle against oppression, inequality, and corruption not only challenged the ruling regime but also brought significant changes to the country’s power structure. This was more than a political transition—it marked the beginning of a new era of democratic resurgence, founded on the aspirations for rights, freedom of expression, and state accountability.

Regrettably, one year later, the interim government has failed to live up to these expectations. Arbitrary arrests, custodial deaths, and extrajudicial killings continue, reflecting a troubling resemblance to the previous regime’s repressive practices. Rising insecurity due to the deteriorating law and order situation has only deepened public anxiety.

Equally alarming is the surge in mob violence across the country. Whether fueled by political provocation or social tensions, such incidents have resulted in numerous deaths and injuries. Law enforcement agencies and responsible state institutions have largely failed to prevent these crimes, posing serious threats to human rights.

The worsening situation of religious minorities remains a matter of grave concern. Instead of ensuring inclusivity and respect for rights, attacks, intimidation, and persecution of minority communities have intensified. Alarmingly, allegations of “blasphemy” have been used to incite organized violence, including looting and death threats. The absence of visible justice against perpetrators has further deepened the sense of insecurity among minority groups.

Women, who stood at the forefront of last year’s movement, now face heightened vulnerability. Reports of public assaults, humiliation, physical violence, rape, sexual harassment, and domestic abuse have become increasingly frequent. Hate speech against women, moral policing, and attempts to control their dress and behavior have escalated into systemic violence, further restricting women’s social, political, and economic empowerment.

The media, too, has faced mounting harassment. Hundreds of journalists have had their press accreditation canceled, while others were dismissed through coercion, falsely accused, prosecuted, or arrested. Attacks on newspaper offices and curbs on press freedom have raised persistent concerns over the state of free expression.
The education sector has also seen disturbing developments. Many students have been unfairly expelled or stripped of academic credentials, undermining their right to education, freedom of expression, and democratic participation.

Amid these challenges, one positive step has been Bangladesh’s signing of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance and the establishment of a “Commission on Disappearances” to investigate past cases. While this reflects progress towards accountability and compliance with international human rights standards, the government’s failure to restructure the National Human Rights Commission has cast doubt on its overall commitment to safeguarding rights.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) welcomes the announcement by the Chief Adviser of the interim government of a possible election schedule in response to demands from political parties. This is a vital step towards restoring the country’s democratic process, and ASK hopes it will pave the way for free, fair, impartial, and inclusive elections.

In this context, ASK strongly urges the government to ensure the rule of law, due process, and a human right- respectful environment. Effective action must be taken against arbitrary arrests, mob violence, and attacks on minorities; a policy of zero tolerance must be enforced against gender-based violence; freedom of expression and media independence must be upheld; and constitutional rights to assembly and association must be guaranteed. Moreover, transparency and accountability must be ensured in all investigations of human rights violations. The state must act decisively, responsibly, and in a rights-based manner to address the ongoing crisis. Otherwise, the sacrifices made by the people in pursuit of change will risk being in vain.

Can’t see Bangla? Please click here to open PDF file.ASK Press Statement 07.08.25