Zakir Hossain from Dhaka
Six international human rights organisations have urged Bangladesh’s interim government under Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus to lift the ban on Awami League activities and implement major human rights and security reforms.
In a joint letter, CIVICUS, Human Rights Watch, Committee to Protect Journalists, Fortify Rights, Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and Tech Global Institute praised early reforms but expressed concern over “limited progress in accountability and security sector restructuring.” They called for prosecution of perpetrators of enforced disappearances and torture under Sheikh Hasina’s regime, disbanding of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and limiting DGFI’s powers.
The letter also sought amendments to the Cyber Security Ordinance 2025 and data laws, protection for journalists, decriminalisation of enforced disappearances, and a moratorium on the death penalty.
The groups further urged reforms in the National Human Rights Commission, NGO Affairs Bureau, and protection for Rohingya refugees from forced repatriation.
8 held as banned Awami League holds protest marches across Dhaka: At least eight people were arrested on Tuesday as leaders and activists of the banned Awami League held protest marches in 10 locations across Dhaka, demanding the interim government’s resignation and withdrawal of “false cases” against party members.
Police said rallies took place in areas including Kurmitola, Shonir Akhra, Wari, Dhanmondi, Agargaon, and Tejgaon between 10:30am and 11:30am. “Three were detained near Kurmitola General Hospital, and four more from the same procession,” said Alamgir Jahan, chief of Cantonment Police Station. Residents reported seeing “hundreds of AL activists” chanting slogans against the interim government.
Processions were also seen near Abahani Field, Bangladesh Betar, Matsya Bhaban, and Motijheel’s Dilkusha area, police confirmed. Officers said efforts were underway to identify other participants. “Our teams are in the field to detain them,” said Tejgaon Police chief Aslam Hossain.