ASK sees “recurrence” of arbitrary arrests, custodial deaths, extrajudicial killings under Yunus government

Responsible institutions have failed to play an effective role in preventing mob terrorism, the organisation says

Ain O Salish Kendra says “arbitrary arrests, custodial deaths, and extrajudicial killings” continue to take place in Bangladesh even under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, much like the Awami League-led government.

The non-governmental organisation made this assessment on Thursday, the first anniversary since the interim government took office.

In a media statement, the organisation said last year's "epoch-making" mass uprising was not just a political shift, the beginning of a new era, where a broad democratic revival was built with the determination to ensure human rights, freedom of expression, and state accountability.

"But sadly," it added, "the interim government has disappointed public expectations."

“Arbitrary arrests are still going on, custodial deaths and extrajudicial killings are happening, which seems like a repetition of the repressive behaviour of the previous government.

“Additionally, there is concern about the safety of citizens due to the deteriorating law and order situation.”

Claiming that “mob terrorism has increased alarmingly” in the country, ASK says: “Many people have been killed and injured in these violent acts committed in the context of political incitement or social tension.

“The state's law-enforcing agencies and responsible institutions have failed to play an effective role in preventing these incidents, which is a matter of serious concern for human rights.”