Sheikh Hasina Warns of Democratic Collapse and Extremism Ahead of Bangladesh Election
Awami League President Sheikh Hasina has given an extensive statement regarding the political instability, democratic crisis, and rise of extremism surrounding Bangladesh’s upcoming national election. In an interview with an Indian media outlet, she alleged that extremist forces have become active with the direct patronage of the interim government, and under such circumstances there is no possibility that the forthcoming election will be free, fair, or participatory.
Awami League Leader Accuses UNHRC of Bias, Vows Return to Power in Bangladesh
Former Bangladesh foreign minister and senior Awami League leader Hasan Mahmud on Saturday accused the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) of producing a biased and one-sided report on the violence that took place during the July–August 2024 student-led protests.
Fear of Awami League’s Popularity Behind Election Ban, Say Party Leaders
Senior leaders of Bangladesh’s Awami League on Saturday accused the country’s interim government of being incapable of conducting free and fair elections and of deliberately barring the party from participating in the upcoming polls out of fear of its growing popularity.
Media Leaders Call for Unity to Protect Independent Journalism in Bangladesh
Independent journalism is important for the welfare of the country. In fact, the government itself benefits from it, because independent media institutions are the only ones that can speak the truth to the government. No one is opposed to anyone; everyone supports truthful journalism.
Uncertainty Grows Over Bangladesh’s LDC Graduation as UN Postpones Assessment Visit
A United Nations delegation was scheduled to visit Dhaka this month to review Bangladesh’s overall preparedness for graduation from the Least Developed Countries (LDC) list and to present its assessment of the country’s position. At the same time, a schedule had been set to present an independent preparatory assessment report on LDC graduation on January 21. However, the delegation’s visit to Dhaka has been postponed for the time being even before the trip took place. No new date has yet been fixed.
Islamic Movement Bangladesh Quits Jamaat-Led Bloc, Citing Ideological Differences
Islamic Movement Bangladesh has announced that it will contest independently in 268 constituencies, ultimately deciding not to join the Jamaat-e-Islami–led electoral alliance.
Media Convention Starts in the Capital
A media convention has begun in the capital to protest attacks on freedom of expression and democratic values, and to express a united stance in favor of independent, responsible, and courageous journalism.
Child killings outnumber deaths caused by political violence and mob violence
While political violence, mob justice, and deaths in custody are regularly discussed in the country, statistics show that child killings are occurring at an even more alarming rate. Every year, hundreds of children fall victim to rape, abduction, and brutal torture before being murdered, presenting a grave picture of a human rights crisis in Bangladesh.
Woman Gang-Raped on Moving Bus in Tangail; Driver and Two Aides Detained
A 26-year-old woman was allegedly gang-raped by the driver and staff of a moving bus after being abducted from Savar. The incident, which began late Wednesday night, led to the rescue of the victim and the detention of three suspects in Tangail on Thursday afternoon.
JASAD Condemns Decision to Destroy Freedom Fighter Video Archives
The Ministry of Liberation War Affairs has decided to cancel the video interviews of nearly 15,000 freedom fighters under a dedicated project. The National Socialist Party (JASAD) has alleged that this move is part of a broader ‘mob operation’ by the caretaker government.