Bangladesh’s Interim Government Accused of Targeting Lawyers and Undermining Rule of Law
A JusticeMakers Bangladesh report alleges that Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus’s interim government has persecuted over 800 lawyers through arrests, fabricated cases, and intimidation, raising concerns about judicial independence and human rights in Bangladesh.
Fakhrul Accuses Govt, Commission of Creating Crisis
BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has blamed the interim government and the consensus commission for Bangladesh’s current political crisis, saying disagreements over reform issues led to the impasse. Speaking at a JSD anniversary event, he confirmed BNP will join the election despite differences on the July Charter’s implementation.
1.6 Crore People in Bangladesh Likely to Face Food Crisis by December: UN-Backed Report
Nearly 16 million people across Bangladesh’s disaster-prone districts are likely to face a major food crisis by December, while around 1.6 million children may suffer from severe malnutrition, according to a new joint analysis report conducted by the Food Planning and Monitoring Unit (FPMU) under the Food Ministry and three UN agencies.
Bangladesh Drops Proposal for Independent Media Commission in New Draft Ordinance
A draft ordinance prepared by the Information Ministry has excluded all references to an independent media commission, despite earlier recommendations from the Media Reform Commission that proposed its creation to ensure greater press freedom and accountability.
New Ordinance Approves Restructured National Human Rights Commission
Bangladesh’s Advisory Council, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, approves a new National Human Rights Commission Ordinance to strengthen the body’s power, transparency, and jurisdiction, ensuring accountability and protection of human rights.
Sheikh Hasina Slams Her War Crimes Trial, Says Bangladesh Election ‘Cannot Be Credible’ Without Awami League
Ex-Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, says that upcoming elections risk deepening the country’s political divide. In written responses to AFP—her first interview since being toppled—she condemned her trial for crimes against humanity as a “jurisprudential joke,” insisting a guilty verdict was “preordained.”
Why the Proposed NHRC Amendment May Prove Ineffective
The Bangladesh interim government has proposed amendments to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Act, 2009, aiming to expand the commission’s investigative powers and jurisdiction. However, experts question whether the reforms align with the Paris Principles or address the NHRC’s long-standing institutional and procedural deficiencies that kept it at “B” status under GANHRI accreditation.
Malaysia’s New Hiring Rules Leave Bangladeshi Agencies Struggling
The recruitment of foreign workers from Bangladesh and several other countries to Malaysia has remained suspended since May 31 last year. Despite multiple rounds of discussions to reopen the labor market, no concrete progress has been made. However, under the existing memorandum of understanding, Malaysia has introduced new conditions for determining the number of recruiting agencies allowed to participate in the hiring process.
Sheikh Hasina in rare interview: I’m not to blame for the bloodshed — my trial is a sham
Former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has denied allegations that she ordered security forces to open fire during last year’s deadly crackdown on street protests — a move that ultimately led to her downfall. She made the remarks in a rare and wide-ranging interview.
Dhaka Hosts Defense Talks as Pakistan, Bangladesh Move Toward Thaw in Relations
Pakistan and Bangladesh have signaled a gradual thaw in their long-strained relations as Chairman of Pakistan’s Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC) General Sahir Shamshad Mirza held a series of meetings in Dhaka with senior civilian and military leaders to discuss defense and security cooperation, Pakistan’s military confirmed on Monday.