Bangladesh has turned into a surveillance-based society, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said at a press conference today.

Citing a United Nations report on surveillance, he said that such practices violate fundamental human rights if not aligned with international standards.

Speaking at the event organised by Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) at the MIDAS Convention Centre in Dhanmondi, he said the state must move away from excessive surveillance.

The UN report calls for the dissolution of two institutions -- Rab and NTMC -- and recommends restricting the activities of DGFI, which, he emphasised, should function solely as a security intelligence agency, not one that infringes on people's rights. "Similarly, military authority (wing) within Ansar-VDP must be abolished," he said.

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Iftekharuzzaman stressed the need for justice and accountability, saying that those in leadership during the Awami League's tenure must be held responsible.

He highlighted the UN's recommendation that no members of the army, DGFI, Rab, police, Ansar, or BGB involved in the 2024 violence should be deployed in UN peacekeeping missions.

The UN report also emphasises the need for an independent civil society and media, particularly focusing on environmental issues. It proposes urgent reforms in five key areas: accountability and justice, security forces, civil rights and democracy, political systems, and economic governance.

Shamsul Huda, executive director of ALRD; Tamanna Haq Riti, coordinator of Ain o Salish Kendra; Md Borkot Ali, director of BLAST; Rowshan Ara, member of Naripokkho; and Zakir Hossain, chief executive of Nagorik Uddyog, were among those present at the event.