Bangladesh
As of early 2026, the human rights situation in Bangladesh is in a state of profound transition. Following the "Monsoon Revolution" in August 2024, which ended the 15-year rule of Sheikh Hasina, the country is being governed by an interim administration led by Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus.
While there is a significant push for institutional reform, the period leading up to the February 12, 2026, general elections has been marked by both hope and renewed instability.
1. Political Violence and the 2026 Election
The run-up to the February 2026 election has seen a resurgence of political clashes.
Targeted Killings: Since December 2025, at least 16 political activists have been killed in election-related violence. This includes the high-profile killing of youth protest leader Hadi, which sparked nationwide unrest in late 2025.
Political Exclusion: The interim government banned the Awami League (AL), the former ruling party, under the Anti-Terrorism Act. While justified by the government as a response to "crimes against humanity" during the 2024 crackdown, critics argue this disenfranchises a significant portion of the electorate.
Arms Proliferation: There are ongoing concerns regarding roughly 1,300 firearms and significant ammunition looted from security forces during the 2024 uprising that remain unaccounted for.
2. Reform of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC)
One of the most significant positive shifts is the NHRC Ordinance 2025, approved late last year to replace the 2009 Act.
Increased Independence: The new law removes the ban on the NHRC investigating members of law enforcement, a major hurdle in previous years.
Expanded Powers: The Commission now has the authority to visit secret detention centers, issue warrants to inspect prisons, and investigate "enforced disappearances"—a role previously handled by a separate, temporary commission.
Mandatory Compliance: Crucially, the ordinance makes state compliance with NHRC orders mandatory.
3. Accountability for Past Abuses
The interim government has focused heavily on "transitional justice" for victims of the previous regime.
International Crimes Tribunal (ICT): The ICT has been reconstituted to try former officials for genocide and crimes against humanity. In November 2025, former PM Sheikh Hasina was convicted in absentia and sentenced to death.
Enforced Disappearances: Bangladesh recently signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. An inquiry commission has documented over 1,600 complaints of disappearances occurring between 2009 and 2024.
4. Vulnerable Groups and Minority Rights
Despite the "revolutionary" spirit of 2024, marginalized groups face rising threats.
Religious Minorities: Since 2025, there has been a documented rise in attacks on the Hindu community and other religious minorities, often linked to mob violence over alleged "blasphemy."
Women’s Rights: Human Rights Watch reports that gender-based violence increased in 2025. Hardline religious groups have protested against gender equality reforms, claiming they are "anti-Islamic," leading to the harassment of female activists and professors.
Indigeneous Rights: In the Chittagong Hill Tracts, ethnic minorities continue to report abuses by security forces, including land-grabbing and extrajudicial killings.
5. Freedom of Expression and Media
While the repressive Digital Security Act was replaced by a draft Cyber Protection Ordinance, concerns remain.
Press Intimidation: In late 2024 and 2025, the interim government revoked the accreditation of over 160 journalists viewed as aligned with the previous regime. Attacks on major newspaper offices (like Prothom Alo) by mobs have continued with what observers call "insufficient police response."
Self-Censorship: Journalists report a "new kind of fear," where criticizing the interim government or religious groups can lead to online harassment or physical threats.