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Published : 10 Oct 2025, 12:52 AM
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over the growing use of Bangladesh’s amended counterterrorism law by the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, to arrest supporters of the deposed Awami League government.
The US-based human rights organisation says the UN human rights team in Bangladesh should immediately demand the release of those detained arbitrarily and encourage authorities to prosecute anyone involved in unlawful political violence.
In a report on Wednesday, the HRW said the interim government took steps by ordering a “temporary” ban on the Awami League using the newly amended Anti-Terrorism Act, prohibiting the party's meetings, publications, and online activities.
According to HRW, this legislation is being used to “target and arrest” Awami League members and peaceful activists.
Meenakshi Ganguly, HRW’s deputy Asia director, said: “The interim government should not be engaging in the same partisan behaviour that Bangladeshis had to endure under Hasina, whether it is stuffing the prisons with political opponents or shutting down peaceful dissent.”
Ganguly also emphasised the importance of the UN’s human rights office closely monitoring the situation and intervening to stop politically motivated arrests.
Since the interim government took power, thousands have been arrested, with many facing dubious murder charges or detained under the Anti-Terrorism Act.
HRW reported allegations of “mistreatment in custody, including a lack of medical care” -- echoing similar claims during Hasina’s time in office.
It highlights a specific incident on Aug 28, when 16 people, including journalists and academics, were arrested at a public discussion organised by “Mancha 71”, a platform celebrating Bangladesh's independence.
The event, held at the Dhaka Reporters Unity, was surrounded by a “mob” accusing participants of supporting the Awami League. Despite a journalist, Monjurul Alam Panna, calling the police for protection, the police arrested the event's participants instead of the disruptors.
Among those arrested were Dhaka University professor Sheikh Hafizur Rahman and former minister Abdul Latif Siddique.
The police initially claimed the detainees were being held for safety, but later arrested them under the counterterrorism law.
The authorities accused the detainees of inciting violence against the interim government, a claim denied by witnesses. At a bail hearing on Sept 4, one of the detainees, Panna, was brought to court wearing a helmet, handcuffs, and a bulletproof vest.
A family member of one of the detainees told HRW, “This was a discussion, not a political event, so how can it be considered terrorism? These people are in jail, but those who attacked them are walking free. This government seems to be just like the Awami League government after all.”
Enacted in 2009 under the Awami League government, the Anti-Terrorism Act has been significantly amended under the interim government to hold Awami League members accountable for alleged abuses during their time in power.
Government officials argue that these amendments were in response to demands from political parties and student organisations.
HRW condemned the suppression of peaceful speech and association, calling it a violation of international standards.
Bangladesh’s Editors’ Council warned that the amendments would restrict freedom of expression and limit media freedom, a concern echoed by many rights organisations. However, Yunus' government has denied imposing any restrictions on freedom of speech.
The interim government has faced criticism for failing to address growing violence from conservative Muslim groups targeting alleged Awami League supporters and opposing women’s rights.
Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights group, reported that at least 152 people have been killed in “mob” attacks since January.
“Right now, our choices are to be either jailed as terrorists or to face a mob,” a political activist told HRW.
In July, the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding with Bangladesh, promising to support the promotion and protection of human rights.
HRW urges the interim government to focus on creating conditions for safe and participatory elections, which are scheduled for February 2026.
“The Bangladeshi government should stop abusing the anti-terrorism law, which is just becoming political repression by another name,” Ganguly said. “The interim government should instead focus on creating conditions for safe and participatory elections.”
