Criminalising student human rights defenders (HRDs) protests shows a disturbing continuation of repression of right to peaceful assembly and protest in Bangladesh. The CIVICUS global civil society alliance and Front Line Defenders call on the country’s interim government to stop criminalising HRDs for peaceful protest.
The civic space in Bangladesh, especially the right to peaceful assembly has faced systemic assault by the previous regime where protestors have been killed, injured, or criminalised.
On 11 March, a group of students under the banner of “Bangladesh Against Rape and Oppression” marched towards the residence of Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor to the interim government. They were to submit a petition regarding the recent incident of rape and death of a girl child.
The students were stopped by Dhaka Metropolitan Police which led to a scuffle with the protestors, and they were dispersed. Later, 12 student leaders and unnamed protestors were charged under provisions of the Penal Code including unlawful assembly and rioting by the police. Evidence shows that two students who were not even at the protest had also been charged.
“Bangladesh is going through a political transition following student protests in July 2024 which led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The interim government among was a result of the transition, and it committed to respect human rights and fundamental freedoms.
“However, this charging of peaceful protestors goes against interim government’s commitments, the Constitution, and international human rights standards.” said Rajavelu Karunanithi, Advocacy & Campaigns Officer, Asia from CIVICUS.
Bangladesh’s law enforcement and security agencies require comprehensive reforms including sensitisation and training for handling protests, with a focus on human rights. The interim government has a duty and responsibility to improve civic space in Bangladesh.
“The interim government has taken positive measures including the formation of a commission on police reforms. However, it must take direct action to change the systemic impunity for violations by security forces, especially against human rights defenders who exercise their right to peaceful assembly,” said Olive Moore, Deputy Director of Front Line Defenders.
The police reform commission formed by the interim government has recommended amendments to the existing laws. Bangladesh must immediately commit to reforms on dated colonial-era criminal legislations and bring them in line with international human rights standards promoting civic freedoms.
To end criminalising peaceful protestors, the interim government must walk its talk. The law enforcement agencies must be sensitised to facilitate protests and blocking them.
CIVICUS and Front Line Defenders call on the interim government of Bangladesh to end violations against student human rights defenders and immediately investigate the attacks by authorities on students on 11 March. We call on arbitrary charges brought against 12 students for unlawful assembly to be dropped.
The interim government must respect students’ and citizens’ right to peacefully stand up for human rights. The authorities must always uphold their responsibilities under international law. They must allow human rights defenders in Bangladesh to carry out their legitimate activities free from fear of retaliation and restrictions.
Bangladesh’s civic space is rated as ‘repressed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor.
