South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR), a regional network of human rights defenders, is alarmed at the inadequate and irresponsible actions of the interim government of Bangladesh in addressing ongoing issues that need to be swiftly and efficiently addressed for the democratic stability of the country. With the ousting of the previous government by a mass uprising, the interim government’s priority has been to restore and maintain law and order and prepare the country for a free and fair election. However, after almost two months of being appointed, the situation of the country’s law and order remains fragile and no clear roadmap for election has been revealed.
SAHR has learnt that there have been instances where certain actions taken by the interim government has further worsened the crisis at present. With regard to the recently instigated violence and killing of people in Khagrachari and Rangmati districts in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) between the Bengali settlers and the indigenous Jummu community on 19 and 20 September, there had been no arrest of the perpetrators despite the members of the interim government visiting the affected area. It is concerning that further violence and killing have taken place in Khagrachori on 01 October.
Two lives have been lost due to the workers’ unrest that has been ongoing in Savar-Ahulia Gazipur industrial areas. The second death caused by a gun shot of a law enforcement official occurred on 30 September. This happened after all 18 demands of the Ready Made Garment workers, including tiffin and night allowances were accepted by the factory owners in a tripartite agreement among the factory owners, the workers and the government. The normal operations of the factories were to resume on 2 October. It has been reported that the second death occurred when workers were protesting due to several factories delaying fulfilling the immediate demands entailing paying arrears, attendance bonus and tiffin allowance. The workers’ unrest has renewed due to the loss of the second life. It is clear that the use of excessive force by the law enforcement officials has intensified the situation. While no case has been filed yet over the death of the second garment factory worker by the joint forces, 36 workers have been arrested over the allegation of attacking the joint forces.
Further, SAHR learns that there have been instances that the interim government has given in to the demands of religious extremist groups. For example, dissolving the textbook review and revision committee after the religious extremist groups demanded removing some members alleging that they hold anti-Islamic and pro-LGBTIQ rights attitudes. At least 60 shrines belonging to different faiths in the country have also been attacked and vandalized since August. Such actions will be detrimental to the democratic values and the promotion of rights and freedoms of the people of Bangladesh as enshrined in the constitution. Further there is a potential that these consequences will be felt through the region through the spillover effect.
Therefore, SAHR firmly urges the interim government of Bangladesh to implement the necessary actions swiftly and efficiently and to fulfil the priority of holding a free fair elections; so that the country can establish a solid democratic framework. It also calls upon the interim government to adhere to ensure the rights and freedoms of the people of Bangladesh, including the marginalised groups while fulfilling its priorities and aspirations of the people who paid with their lives to achieve them.
On behalf of the members of South Asians for Human Rights
Dr. Roshmi Goswami
Co-Chair person
Dr. P. Saravanamuttu
Bureau Member