JMBF believes this visit provides a pivotal opportunity to address Bangladesh’s human rights and rule-of-law challenges following Sheikh Hasina’s resignation on August 5, 2024, and the interim government’s assumption of power on August 8, 2024.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated: “Mr. Türk’s visit has the potential to shine a critical light on systemic human rights abuses and challenges to judicial independence in Bangladesh. The world is watching, and we trust that his efforts will emphasize the importance of justice, transparency, and accountability.”
In addition to the investigation of abuses during the anti-quota movement, JMBF urges Mr. Türk to examine ongoing rights violations under the interim administration.
JMBF calls on the High Commissioner to ensure that the International Crimes Tribunal adheres to fair trial standards, noting recent judicial appointments involving judges with limited experience in higher courts and international human rights law. Impartiality, free from political influence, is essential, as is scrutiny of the prosecution team’s alleged ties to Islamic political factions and the pro-BNP-Jamaat coalition.
JMBF is deeply concerned about threats to judicial independence, highlighted by the resignation of five Supreme Court judges, including the Chief Justice, amid anti-quota movement protests. Additionally, twelve High Court judges have been placed on forced leave due to similar pressures from protests by student and pro-BNP Jamaat-linked lawyers, severely undermining judicial independence—a cornerstone of democratic governance.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, expressed his concern, stating: “We are witnessing an alarming escalation of ongoing rights violations, with targeted attacks on judicial independence and press freedom. We strongly urge the High Commissioner to act decisively to prevent further erosion of democratic principles in Bangladesh.”
JMBF is equally troubled by alleged irregularities in the lower judiciary, where judges and magistrates reportedly face directives from the interim government and anti-quota leaders. Defense attorneys representing Bangladesh Awami League members and allied groups have reported facing intimidation, obstruction in filing legal representation, and physical assaults by pro-BNP Jamaat supporters, undermining the right to a fair defense.
JMBF also urges the High Commissioner to intervene regarding the recent arbitrary arrests of two lawyers, Advocates Mustafizur Rahman and Akram Hossain, who were detained solely for fulfilling their roles as defense attorneys.
JMBF further calls on Mr. Türk to address mounting restrictions on press freedom. Over 100 journalists reportedly face charges based on fabricated allegations, with several detained, including Farzana Ruapa, Shakil Ahmed, Mojammel Babu, and Samol Datto, on murder charges tied to their coverage of anti-quota protests. Allegations of self-censorship and restricted reporting on rights abuses significantly limit freedom of expression under the current administration.
Furthermore, the Bangladesh Student League, affiliated with the Bangladesh Awami League, has been formally banned, with additional informal restrictions on Awami League activities. Activists face arbitrary arrests, bans on political activity, suspensions from educational institutions, and restrictions on exams—all severely infringing on freedoms of expression, association, and the right to education.
JMBF urges Mr. Türk to address ongoing abuses against LGBTQI+ individuals, religious minorities (Hindu, Ahmadiyya, Buddhist), and ethnic minorities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. Reports detail incidents of killings, vandalism of homes and places of worship, arson attacks, physical assaults, forced resignations, and job suspensions. Recent decisions to suspend Assistant Professor Hafizul Islam of the Development Studies Department at Islamic University, Kushtia, from all departmental activities, including teaching, due to allegations of homosexuality highlighting the urgent need for intervention.
JMBF also seeks Mr. Türk’s intervention regarding the dismissals of government officials appointed by the prior administration. Notably, the dismissal of 250 cadet sub-inspectors undergoing training at the Sarda Police Academy for alleged "disciplinary breaches" raises concerns of political targeting.
JMBF strongly condemns the recent indemnity order from the Ministry of Home Affairs, which grants immunity to those involved in violent incidents during the July-August 2024 mass uprising. We urge Mr. Türk to address the implications of this order for accountability.
JMBF calls for immediate action to halt the contentious rise in mob violence and lynchings in Bangladesh under the present interim government. We urge decisive action to stop all forms of mob violence and lynchings, including the killings of former Chhatra League leader Shamim Ahmed at Jahangirnagar University, mentally ill former Chhatra League member Tofazzal Hossain at Dhaka University, and former physically disabled Chhatra League leader Abdullah Al Masud at Rajshahi University.
Additionally, we urge intervention against reported instances of torture, physical assault, deaths from torture, and custodial deaths affecting civilians and political activists by security forces, including the killing of Kausar Hossain Khan, a sewing operator for Mango Tex Limited. These actions necessitate an immediate call for justice and accountability.
JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls on the UN High Commissioner to prioritize these pressing issues during discussions with the interim government. We appeal for a renewed commitment to judicial independence, democratic political practices, protection of defense rights, and freedom of the press in Bangladesh. Mr. Türk’s involvement is essential to reaffirm a global commitment to justice, democracy, and human rights in Bangladesh.
Thank you.
No comments:
Post a Comment