Non-Functional Human Rights and Information Commissions

Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission and Information Commission have remained largely inactive for over a year, creating institutional gaps in human rights protection and access to information, while recent steps signal limited progress toward reconstitution.

Human Rights Under Scrutiny as Bangladesh Heads to National Election

Ahead of the upcoming national election in Bangladesh, the international human rights organization Amnesty International has called for making the protection of human rights the highest priority. In a letter addressed to the Chief Adviser of the interim government, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard stated that major challenges still remain in ensuring the human rights of all people in Bangladesh.

Why Bangladesh’s Human Rights Commission Requires True Autonomy

While the NHRC Ordinance 2025 strengthens legal powers and aligns with global norms, its success hinges on the Interim Government granting the Commission independence, adequate resources, and protection to probe state and security agencies without political interference.

Denied Parole After Family Deaths: 39 Citizens Condemn ‘Inhumane’ State Conduct

Thirty-nine eminent citizens of the country have expressed strong anger and condemnation over the incident in which Jewel Hossain Saddam was not granted parole, as provided by law, to attend the funeral of his wife and infant child, and instead was forced to see their bodies at the prison gate.

Hindu Mechanic Burned to Death in Narsingdi, Suspected Arson Sparks Minority Safety Concerns

In Narsingdi town, Bangladesh, 23-year-old Hindu mechanic Chanchal Chandra Bhowmik was fatally burned on January 23 when miscreants allegedly set fire to the car repair workshop where he was sleeping. The incident has reignited concerns over Bangladesh’s law-and-order situation under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

Denial of Parole Despite Application Is a Direct Violation of Civil Rights: ASK

The denial of permission to Jewel Hasan Saddam, President of Bagherhat Sadar Upazila Chhatra League and currently imprisoned at Jashore Central Jail, to attend the funeral prayers and burial of his deceased wife and nine-month-old infant child has been described as a direct violation of civil rights by Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

Amnesty Warns Bangladesh Falling Short on Human Rights Ahead of 2026 Election

Amnesty International has called on political parties to place human rights reform at the core of their political agendas ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. In a 10-page report titled “Human Rights Priorities Ahead of National Election”, the organization urges all contesting political parties to take concrete steps to ensure the protection and promotion of human rights during the pre-election, election-period, and post-election phases.

Protest Outside UK Parliament Demands Labour Action on Alleged Hindu Persecution in Bangladesh

A large-scale protest was held outside the UK Parliament in London, where members of the British Bangladeshi Hindu community and human rights activists gathered to demand immediate action from the Labour Party regarding the alleged persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh.

Rights Body Slams Firing of Two University Teachers Over Blasphemy Claims

An international human rights organisation has condemned the dismissal of two university teachers in Bangladesh over blasphemy allegations, describing the action as a serious threat to academic freedom and freedom of expression.

CHT Accord Implementation Committee Holds 11th Meeting

The 11th meeting of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Accord Implementation and Monitoring Committee was held on Sunday, January 18, at the conference room of the Complex Building adjacent to the Toll Plaza of the Karnaphuli Tunnel Site Office in Anwara, Chittagong.