Geneva [Switzerland]: A press conference held in Geneva has raised serious concerns about the persecution of minorities in Bangladesh, highlighting issues of impunity, the release of convicted terrorists, and the erosion of the rule of law under the current government. The speakers at the event called for urgent international intervention to address the worsening human rights situation.
A journalist at the conference detailed the alarming circumstances, stating:
“The current situation in Bangladesh is that of impunity, which is rather bothersome. After the current government took over, one of the first things they did was to pass an indemnity. The UN report identifies about 1,400 deaths and the government acknowledges about 800. So, what happened to the other 600 deaths?”
Concerns Over Government Actions
Speakers at the event accused the Bangladeshi government of shielding those responsible for killings, preventing any investigations or trials.
“There will be no investigation, trial, or punishment for the perpetrators of these deaths. Rule of law means that everyone is to be tried and investigated for murder,” one of the speakers stated.
Another major issue discussed was the mass release of convicted terrorists, which has been described as a threat to the judicial system.
“The government has released from the jails hundreds of terrorists. They have not been released by virtue of obtaining bails, but they’ve been released by virtue of the fact of a simple executive order. So this is a kind of an atrocity towards the judiciary as well. It’s a contempt of court because these terrorists and criminals were convicted by the highest judiciary and put behind bars; and they’ve just been released unconditionally.”
Rise in Crimes and Lack of Accountability
Reports indicate that this unconditional release of prisoners has led to a surge in violent crimes, with minorities and women being particularly vulnerable.
“Law and order crimes have gone up—crimes against the minorities, crimes against women. And there is a kind of an immunity that’s been given to these highest criminals and terrorists. There is just no explanation of this. How can any legitimate government do anything of this nature? The jails are being emptied out by releasing convicts, criminals…”
The United Nations and other international bodies were urged to intervene, with calls for an updated fact-finding mission to investigate the current human rights situation in Bangladesh.
“From the UN and the other international bodies, particularly the UN, there was a fact-finding mission which stopped their fact-finding in the middle of August 2024. We would like to have a report of fact-finding initiative up to date.”
Women’s Rights and Impunity
The press conference also highlighted the rise in crimes against women and the lack of legal accountability for perpetrators.
“The amount of rape and eve-teasing that’s going on against the women when the women are complaining. These radicals are going to get to the police station and easing up the offender and a total impunity.”
Criticism of Muhammad Yunus’ Silence
A final criticism was directed at Muhammad Yunus, Bangladesh’s interim leader, who has been a known advocate for women’s empowerment.
“And the silence of Dr Yunus, who we know was working towards empowerment of women. His silence is so very loud and painful.”
As concerns over human rights violations in Bangladesh grow, international pressure on the government is expected to increase, with calls for greater transparency and legal accountability.