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Published : 25 Sep 2025, 09:32 PM
Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed concern over incidents of people being forcibly subjected to haircuts for their appearance or lifestyle choices.
In a statement on Thursday, ASK said such acts were “entirely inhuman, unlawful and a clear violation of the Constitution and human rights”.
Recently a video circulating on social media shows several individuals publicly cutting off a passer-by’s hair and dreadlocks against his will.
“Ain o Salish Kendra is deeply concerned over this incident,” the organisation said.
Citing the Constitution, ASK pointed out that Article 31 guarantees every citizen the right to live a dignified life under the protection of law, Article 32 assures the right to life and personal liberty, and Article 35 prohibits cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment.
“Publicly forcing someone’s hair to be cut is not only a violation of the victim’s fundamental rights and personal freedom but also a direct assault on his dignity. Such incidents foster fear, insecurity and panic in society,” the statement added.
ASK said such acts violate the rule of law and human rights in Bangladesh.
It urged authorities to identify those responsible and take legal action while ensuring that no citizen faces such humiliation and unlawful treatment in future.
Recently, several such incidents of forcibly cutting the hair and beards of people considered to be outside “conventional” lifestyle norms have been reported in different parts of the country, with the videos widely shared on Facebook and YouTube.
The incidents have sparked questions about whether anyone has the right to forcibly cut another person’s hair or beard, or to circulate such videos on social media seeking views.
Legal experts say forcibly cutting someone’s hair or beard amounts to a “criminal offence” from any perspective.
They said no one has the right to interfere with another person’s personal beliefs in this way.
