Geneva [Switzerland], March 27: The Tumuku Development and Cultural Union (TACUDU) hosted a side event titled “Human Rights Violations and Rise of Islamic Terrorism in Bangladesh” on March 26, 2025, during the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, Switzerland.
Led by Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi, a human rights activist and Principal Representative at TACUDU, the panel featured key speakers, including Paul Bristow (Former UK Conservative MP), Sahar Zand (British-Iranian journalist and broadcaster), Dr Rayhan Rashid (Legal Consultant at Oxford Matrix), and Priyajit Debsarkar (Geopolitical Analyst).
The event aimed to highlight concerns over the deterioration of law and order, human rights abuses, minority persecution, and the rise of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh under the interim rule of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.
Concerns Raised by Panelists
British-Iranian journalist Sahar Zand expressed grave concerns about Bangladesh’s worsening situation, criticizing the lack of international media attention. “The world is turning a blind eye. Bangladesh is on the brink of becoming another Afghanistan or Iraq,” she warned. She further highlighted that minority communities in Bangladesh are under severe threat, with both global and local media failing to report on these developments.
Legal expert Dr Rayhan Rashid called for an independent and impartial investigation into both historical and present-day events in Bangladesh. He stressed the need for a comprehensive review of the OHCHR report, focusing on its methodologies, conclusions, and the influence of various actors.
Geopolitical analyst Priyajit Debsarkar cautioned that Bangladesh is at risk of another genocide, emphasizing rising tensions post-August 5. He urged the international community to unite against fascist elements that threaten not just Bangladesh but also regional stability.
The discussion underscored the urgent need for global awareness and intervention to prevent further violence and safeguard human rights in Bangladesh.