A new report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) has revealed a disturbing pattern of violence and human rights abuses in Bangladesh following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last August.
The report, titled "After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh," highlights the targeting of religious minorities, particularly Hindus and Ahmadiyya Muslims, by extremist groups.
It also documents widespread abuses by security forces against supporters of the Awami League and journalists.
The report notes a sharp increase in attacks against Hindus since Hasina's removal from power. Many observers believe that Hindus are being targeted due to their traditional support for the Awami League. HRW has documented numerous instances of violence against Hindu businesses, homes, and places of worship.
The report also expresses concern over the arrest of Hindu priest Chinmoy Krishna Das, a former official of the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), on charges that appear to be politically motivated. Das's case is further complicated by the reluctance of lawyers to represent him due to fear of reprisals.
In addition to the violence against religious minorities, the HRW report details a crackdown on freedom of expression.
The interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, has filed charges against hundreds of former government officials, members of parliament, and journalists.
Many of these individuals have been accused of crimes related to the student protests that led to Hasina's ouster. The report criticizes the use of mass arrest warrants and vague charges to target critics of the interim government.
HRW calls on the Bangladeshi government to take immediate steps to address the human rights situation. The organization recommends that the government should seek technical assistance from the United Nations and revise laws that are used to stifle dissent. It also urges the government to ensure that all detention centers are open to independent inspection.
The report is based on extensive research and interviews conducted in Bangladesh. HRW spoke with human rights activists, members of the interim government, and current and former law enforcement and military officials. The findings paint a grim picture of a country struggling to uphold human rights and protect its most vulnerable citizens.
