Five Groups Write to EU Over Mob Violence Under Yunus Government

Following the political transition in Bangladesh in August 2024, five civil society organisations active at the European and international levels have sent a letter to the European Union (EU) expressing deep concern over the deterioration of human rights, the security situation, and democratic governance under the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus. Led by the Freedom and Justice Alliance, the organisations sent the letter to EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas.

In the letter sent last Monday (December 29), the organisations expressed concern over the rise of militancy in Bangladesh, organised violence or “mob violence,” and the steadily shrinking democratic space. The letter was signed on behalf of the organisations by Paolo Casaca, Executive Director of the South Asia Democratic Forum (SADF) and former Member of the European Parliament.

The letter alleged that under the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, democratic safeguards, the rule of law, and institutional neutrality have been severely undermined. Taking advantage of this situation, extremist groups such as Jamaat-e-Islami, Hefazat-e-Islam, Hizb ut-Tahrir, and Ansar al-Islam are expanding their influence under the cover of “mob violence,” the letter claimed.

It further stated that a directive issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on October 15, 2024, has made it difficult to bring perpetrators of past violent incidents to justice, thereby further emboldening extremist forces.

Referring to the ban on the activities of the Awami League, the letter said that on the one hand, BNP-aligned and Jamaat-linked individuals have been appointed to important state positions, while on the other hand, banning the country’s largest political party has further narrowed the democratic space.

The letter also mentioned attacks, vandalism, and arson at the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo, acts of vandalism at cultural institutions such as Chhayanaut and Udichi, the burning to death of a Hindu youth in Bhaluka, and attempted attacks on multiple offices of the Indian High Commission. It said that UN Special Rapporteurs have described these incidents as serious threats to fundamental freedoms.

The organisations that signed the letter are the South Asia Democratic Forum (Belgium), the European Bangladesh Forum (EU and UK), Working Group Bangladesh (Germany), Earth Civilization Network, and the Freedom and Justice Alliance.