Absent From a U.N. Discussion on Refugee Aid: The Refugees Themselves

They reside in the world’s largest network of refugee camps, with little freedom to leave. Within these camps, their shops have been demolished and schools shut down. Back in their homeland, the only common ground among warring groups is their shared hostility toward these stateless people.

GHRD Warns UNHRC of Escalating Persecution of Minorities in Bangladesh

At the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC), Charlotte Zehrer, UN-EU Human Rights Officer from Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD), delivered a powerful oral intervention drawing attention to the alarming human rights situation facing ethnic and religious minorities in Bangladesh.

Saudi Arabia's Comedy Festival Draws Fire Over Human Rights Cover-Up

Human Rights Watch has accused the Saudi government of using the Riyadh Comedy Festival 2025, scheduled from September 26 to October 9, as a distraction from its harsh crackdown on free speech and widespread human rights abuses. The festival coincides with the seventh anniversary of journalist Jamal Khashoggi’s state-sponsored killing and comes just months after Saudi authorities executed a journalist for his peaceful expression.

Public Outcry After Elderly Fakir’s Hair Shaved in Dhaka

A viral video showing a group of men forcibly shaving the hair of an elderly fakir in Dhaka’s Sadarghat area has sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from human rights organisations.

UNHRC Seminar Highlights Alarming Human Rights Decline in Pakistan and Bangladesh

A recent seminar held during the 60th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva has brought renewed attention to the worsening human rights conditions in Pakistan and Bangladesh. Organised by the Forum on Inter-Cultural & Inter-Religious Dialogue (FICIR) in partnership with the Asian-Eurasian Human Rights Forum (AEHRF), the event featured prominent activists, journalists, and political commentators who warned of shrinking civil liberties and the dangerous rise of religious extremism in both countries.

Bangladesh Still ‘In Crisis’ for Freedom of Expression, Warns ARTICLE 19

Bangladesh remains in a state of crisis for freedom of expression, ARTICLE 19 has warned during the Item 4 General Debate at the 60th Session of the UN Human Rights Council.

Bangladesh Urged to Ensure Inclusive Reforms of National Human Rights Commission

BANGKOK, Thailand (8 September 2025) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and the Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institutions (ANNI) have jointly urged the Government of Bangladesh to ensure a transparent, inclusive, and timebound reform process for the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) of Bangladesh. This call follows nationwide consultations led by the Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs (MoLJPA), in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Embassy of Switzerland.

Mob Fury in Bangladesh: 220 Dead, 230 Attacks in 13 Months

Mob or group violence in Bangladesh continues unabated despite stern government warnings and alerts from the army chief. Human rights organizations report that at least 220 people have been killed in the 13 months since the current government took office. From March to August this year alone, 230 mob violence incidents were recorded, resulting in 79 deaths and 265 serious injuries.

One Year Since Rangamati Communal Attack and Anik Chakma Murder: Justice Still Denied

Today marks one year since the communal attack carried out by Bengali settlers on Jumma students and youth in Rangamati town, followed by the brutal murder of 18-year-old Anik Chakma. Despite multiple cases being filed, justice remains elusive as most of the accused are free on bail and the majority of perpetrators remain untouched.

Bangladesh Unveils Draft NHRC Ordinance to Enhance Human Rights Protection

In a significant move to reinforce its commitment to human rights, the Government of Bangladesh has unveiled the draft of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025. The announcement came during a high-level stakeholder consultation held in Cox’s Bazar, aimed at reforming the current NHRC Act 2009.