Human Rights Abuses Continue Unabated Under Bangladesh’s Interim Government

The collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024 marked a decisive turning point in Bangladesh’s contemporary political landscape. A nationwide uprising—fueled by frustration over inequality, corruption, and the abuse of state power—swept the long-standing regime from office and ushered in an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Expectations soared that this transition would usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.

Bangladeshi Workers in Malaysia Face Unrestrained Exploitation

United Nations human rights experts have warned that Bangladeshi migrant workers in Malaysia are facing “widespread and systemic” exploitation, fraud, and rising debt bondage, affecting hundreds of thousands of laborers who contribute to Malaysia’s workforce.

Vandalism at Panbari Sarbojonin Shiva Temple Sparks Outrage in Rangpur

An attack took place at the Panbari Sarbojonin Shiva Temple in Rangpur on Thursday dawn, 22 November, when a group of unidentified assailants vandalised the temple’s main Shiva idol. According to local residents, the attackers entered the temple in a planned manner, destroyed the idol, and fled the scene immediately.

Custodial Deaths Surge Alarming­ly in Bangladesh: Rights Groups Raise Concerns

Deaths in the custody of law enforcement agencies in the country have increased alarmingly. From January to mid-November of the current year, at least 31 citizens have died in operations by various forces, in alleged gunfights, due to torture, and from gunfire. Human rights organizations say the number has risen abnormally in recent months, which has further exposed the lack of institutional accountability and transparency.

Country’s Global Image at Risk Pope Expresses Concern Over Christian Persecution in Bangladesh

Pope Leo XIV has expressed deep concern over incidents of discrimination and persecution against Christian communities in various countries around the world. In particular, he has called upon Bangladesh, Nigeria, Mozambique, Sudan, and several other countries regarding attacks on Christian communities and places of worship, saying that God desires peace among all His children.

UNHRC Calls for Shahriar Kabir’s “Release and Compensation”

The UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC) has said that the arrest of Shahriar Kabir—writer, researcher, and chairman of the advisory council of the Ekattorer Ghatak Dalal Nirmul Committee, known to be close to the ousted Awami League government—violated “legal standards.”

Baul Singer Abul Sarkar Jailed in Manikganj over Alleged Blasphemy Charges

In Ghior upazila of Manikganj, Baul singer Abul Sarkar has been arrested and sent to jail following allegations that he made “derogatory remarks about Islam and Allah” at a musical event. On Thursday evening, after recording his confessional statement, Manikganj Judicial Magistrate Court-1 Judge Nazrul Islam ordered that he be sent to jail, court police confirmed.

Trial of Sheikh Hasina and Asaduzzaman Khan Was Not Fair or Just: Amnesty International

The UK-based human rights organisation Amnesty International has stated that the death sentences handed down to deposed former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan are not “fair or just.” According to the organisation, although the verdict was issued for crimes against humanity committed during the July mass uprising, there are various problems within the judicial process.

Dhaka hosts discussion on human rights violations, impunity in Chittagong Hill Tracts

Speakers at a discussion in Dhaka have expressed grave concern over the continued human rights violations and entrenched culture of impunity in Bangladesh’s Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT), calling for full implementation of the CHT Peace Accord and accountability for decades of atrocities.

Old Crimes, New Faces: Extrajudicial Killings Rise Under Yunus in Bangladesh

The interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, sworn in on August 8 that year, came to power promising justice, reform, and transparency. However, over a year later, Yunus’s administration is facing growing criticism for inefficiency, political bias, and failing to curb abuses by state agencies. What began with lofty pledges of democracy and accountability now stands accused of deepening divisions and undermining public trust.