Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Bangladesh's interim government to ensure that security forces remain neutral and uphold the rule of law when prosecuting political violence.
HRW emphasized that the right to peaceful assembly and protest, even by supporters of the previous government, is a fundamental right under international law.
A recent UN report revealed that law enforcement agencies, including the police, border guards, the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and intelligence services, committed serious human rights abuses to suppress protests in August 2024, which led to the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government. Despite promises of security sector reform, the interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has deployed security forces for "Operation Devil Hunt," which has resulted in the arrest of nearly 2,000 individuals, mostly supporters of the ousted Awami League government.
HRW’s deputy Asia director, Meenakshi Ganguly, warned against repeating past mistakes and stressed the need for impartial rule of law. She also highlighted the urgent need for political and economic reforms in Bangladesh.
The UN report documented human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings, mass arrests, and torture, estimating up to 1,400 deaths between July 1 and August 15, mostly from gunfire by security forces. The report stressed the necessity of accountability for national healing.
The recent unrest began when Sheikh Hasina, in exile in India, announced she would address her supporters online on February 7, triggering protests from students and others who had previously forced her to resign. The protests escalated, leading to attacks on properties linked to Hasina and the demolition of her father’s home, which was a memorial museum.
Following attacks on student protesters on February 8, the interim government launched Operation Devil Hunt, targeting groups allegedly linked to the former autocratic regime, labeling them "devils." The government has accused Hasina of inciting violence and requested her extradition from India to face trial.
Chief Adviser Dr. Yunus has called for calm, emphasizing the importance of respecting the rule of law in building a new Bangladesh. HRW urged the Yunus government to seek international support for further investigations and monitoring by UN human rights experts during the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session in March.
