Side event: Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh

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Geneva, Switzerland | 26th of March 2025 | GHRD official press release

Side event at the 58th Human Rights Council Session: Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh

At the 58th Human Rights Council Session at the United Nations in Geneva the Tumuku Development and Cultural Union, in cooperation with the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, organized a side event on human rights violations and the rise of islamic extremism in Bangladesh. The event was moderated by Kevin Lawrence and offered great insights into the human rights situation of Bangladesh, highlighting a continuous and concerning trend of arbitrary arrests and detention, violence against minorities and serious restrictions on freedom of speech.

Mr. Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi and Dr. Rayhan Rashid both voiced strong concerns about increasing instances of religious persecution, extrajudicial killings, and the suppression of dissent in line with global authoritarian trends. One of the key issues raised was the systematic targeting of religious minorities. Military and government forces in particular have intensified crackdowns on religious minorities in the country, imposing severe restrictions on religious expression and assembly. Both experts agreed that individuals belonging to marginalized religious groups such as Hindus, Christians, and members of the Ahmadiyya community face heightened discrimination, arbitrary arrests, and violence.

Additionally, the event shed light on the alarming rise in extrajudicial killings and mass arrests of political dissenters. Both panelists discussed cases where state forces have used deadly measures to silence opposition figures, activists, and journalists. In many instances, due process is ignored, and those detained are denied basic legal protections. There were also concerns about increasing attacks on transgender and LGBTQ communities, who face targeted violence and systematic discrimination.

One of the greatest concerns voiced was over the increasing militarization of state institutions. The so-called weaponization of the military, the panelists argued, has led to armed forces being used not for national defense but as a tool for domestic repression. This has resulted in widespread fear, as the Bangladeshi government deploys security forces to crush protests, stifle political opposition, and maintain authoritarian control. Furthermore, there is a troubling pattern of intimidation, impunity, and fear, with perpetrators of human rights violations rarely being held accountable.

Another major theme was the unchecked rise of extremist groups that operate with impunity. Panelists warned that these groups, often supported or ignored by authorities, pose a significant threat to pluralism and democracy. They have been linked to targeted attacks on minority communities, activists, and organizations promoting inclusivity, all while facing little to no accountability for their actions. Mob violence was also discussed, with reports of looting of police stations for weapons, raising further concerns about lawlessness and instability.

Finally, concerns were raised about the repression of local media and journalists. Investigative reporters and independent news outlets increasingly face harassment through legal intimidation, defamation lawsuits, and imprisonment. The panelist also accused the government of using the justice system as a weapon against the free press, eroding public access to unbiased information and fostering a climate of fear. Lawyers, too, have been targeted, with reports of direct attacks and judicial institutions facing pressure from the executive branch.

A very captivating and worrying testimony was given by the investigative journalist Sahar Zand. As part of her investigation into human rights violations in Bangladesh, she followed a father and son through their destroyed village and collected stories. The village was mostly populated by Hindus, with some muslim minorities living in the community as well. Her interviews revealed a repeated pattern of violent attacks on the village with religious sites and homes being demolished and some inhabitants even killed.

According to Zand’s investigation, all leaders deny that attacks were religiously motivated. While trying to find some perpetrators to interview, she came across a mosque built on top of a demolished Hindu crematorium. When her team tried to speak to the local imam,  a mob arrived and violently assaulted them, ultimately trying to set them on fire in the car. A few courageous people saved their lives until authorities finally arrived.

Lastly, former Member of the British Parliament Paul Bistrow highlighted that Bangladesh, in recent years, has made significant advancements when it comes to poverty reduction, education of women and girls and the protection of refugees, particularly of Rohingya muslims fleeing from Myanmar. However, he showed himself gravely concerned over what would happen to these advancements should the security situation and the situation of human rights in the country not improve.

All panelists at the event unanimously called for stronger international responses, urging governments, civil society organizations, and global institutions such as the United Nations to take decisive action against these human rights violations. They emphasized the importance of defending democratic principles in Bangladesh, of holding perpetrators accountable, and ensuring the protection of those who speak out against injustice, as well as political dissidents and religious minorities. At a time where human rights violations are prevalent daily on the news, it is essential that the plight of the people of Bangladesh is not made invisible or forgotten.