End arbitrary arrests and detentions

A group of international human rights organisations have sent a joint letter to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus, urging him to ensure institutions strong enough to guarantee free and fair polls and prevent backsliding.

The letter, which was sent on Sunday, was signed by CIVICUS, the Committee to Protect Journalists, Fortify Rights, Human Rights Watch, Robert F Kennedy Human Rights, and the Tech Global Institute.

It was sent following a meeting between Yunus and representatives of international civil society during the United Nations General Assembly in New York last month.

The rights groups urged Bangladesh to prevent arbitrary arrests and detentions. They recommended reviewing and withdrawing cases that appear politically motivated or infringe on freedom of expression and other fundamental rights.

They said such reviews should cover cases filed both before and after August 2024, regardless of perceived political affiliation, including those involving Awami League members and supporters charged or detained without credible evidence.

The rights bodies also urged the government to protect journalists from harassment and violence by state and non-state actors, to conduct prompt and independent investigations into such attacks, and to implement the Media Reform Commission's recommendations in line with international standards on press freedom.

"Ensure press freedom and protect journalists from arbitrary arrests and detention, regardless of perceived political affiliation, particularly where charges lack credible evidence or violate freedom of expression or other rights," the letter said.

The groups acknowledged measures taken by the interim government since last year's July uprising, including investigations into past abuses and steps to restore civil liberties.

However, they noted that reforms in the legal and security sectors remain incomplete and urged the authorities to take further action ahead of the 2026 national elections to strengthen institutions and uphold rights.

The letter also said security sector reforms are necessary to consolidate public trust.

It added, "Implement security sector reform, including by disbanding the Rapid Action Battalion and limiting the powers of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, to break with the past and develop rights-respecting security institutions. The Rab's track record of perpetrating serious abuses with impunity has put the institution well beyond reform, and all military personnel should be removed from civilian law enforcement. The DGFI's perpetration of enforced disappearances and other serious abuses underscores the need for its role and authority to be strictly delineated to military intelligence with operational limits and a clear legal mandate.

"The military should provide its full support for these accountability efforts, including by respecting the jurisdiction of the ICT [International Crimes Tribunal], a civilian court, over members of the military."

They also called for a moratorium on the death penalty.

The letter further recommended revising or repealing several laws, including the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025, the Special Powers Act, and the Official Secrets Act, to ensure compliance with international standards on freedom of expression.

It pointed out that a ban has been imposed on the Awami League against all forms of activities, while supporters of the party engaging in them are being detained.

The organisations referred to a UN fact-finding report released in February, which found evidence that some senior AL leaders were involved in serious human rights violations during the previous administration, and noted that the UN had warned against a ban on the party.

"End the broad ban on Awami League activities under the Anti-Terrorism Act, which excessively restricts freedom of association, assembly, and expression, and has been used to arrest Awami League members and perceived supporters engaged in peaceful activities," the letter said.

They also urged the government to ease restrictions on civil society organisations by reforming the NGO Affairs Bureau and reviewing the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, which they said has constrained the work of non-governmental groups.

The rights groups also expressed concern over the condition of Rohingya refugees, particularly those who arrived after renewed violence in Myanmar since late 2023.

The signatories urged the government to prevent any forced returns until conditions in Myanmar allow voluntary, safe, and dignified repatriation. They encouraged steps to improve access to education, livelihoods, and freedom of movement in the refugee camps.

They further said Bangladesh is at an important stage in its political transition and that further progress toward transparency, accountability, and inclusion would strengthen public confidence ahead of the next election.