Human Rights Abuses Continue Unabated Under Bangladesh’s Interim Government
The collapse of the Awami League government in August 2024 marked a decisive turning point in Bangladesh’s contemporary political landscape. A nationwide uprising—fueled by frustration over inequality, corruption, and the abuse of state power—swept the long-standing regime from office and ushered in an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Expectations soared that this transition would usher in a new era of transparency, accountability, and respect for human rights.
Allegation of an attack by July Moncho on the ‘Ganer Artonad’ program in Shahbagh
A clash involving attacks, vandalism, and scuffles took place at the protest event titled “Ganer Artonad” organized to protest the arrest of Baul Abul Sarker in Shahbagh, the capital, and the attacks on Baul artists. The incident occurred on Friday (28 November) around 4:30 PM in front of the Faculty of Fine Arts at Dhaka University.
Rising Violence Against Bauls Raises Alarms Over Religious Extremism
A series of attacks targeting Bauls and their followers has been reported across Bangladesh in recent weeks, with a particular religious group appearing to lead the assaults. The attackers identify themselves as “Tauhidi Janata.”
Khulna Demonstration for Baul Abul Sarkar’s Release Comes Under Attack
An attack took place at a protest rally of the Democratic Students’ Alliance in Khulna, organized to demand the release of Baul Abul Sarkar and to protest the vandalism of shrines and mazars across the country. Several activists of the left-leaning student organization have reportedly been injured.
Bauls Attacked in Thakurgaon Court Premises, Four Injured
Another incident of assault on several Bauls and their followers occurred in the Thakurgaon court premises. At least four people were injured. The incident took place around 2 p.m. on Wednesday (26 November) in the Thakurgaon court area.
‘Tawhidi Janata’ Assaults Bauls During Sit-in Seeking Freedom of Abul Sarkar
The alleged ‘Tawhidi Janata’ carried out an attack on the Bauls who were staging a sit-in demanding the release of Baul artist Abul Sarkar, who was arrested in a case on charges of making derogatory remarks about religion.
Excavators Spark Chaos at Dhanmondi 32; Security Forces Intervene
A tense situation developed on Monday afternoon on Dhanmondi 32 Road in the capital. Supporters of Jamaat and the NCP attempted to enter the area with two excavators to demolish the house of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. The army and police quickly arrived at the scene and dispersed them.
Former Bangladesh Foreign Minister Urges UN to Investigate OHCHR’s 2024 Protest Report
Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh and former Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Professor Dr. A.K. Abdul Momen, has written to UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, calling for an independent and transparent investigation into the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) report on Bangladesh’s 2024 protest-related violence.
Mass Arrests, Mob Attacks Displace Millions of Awami League Activists
The Awami League claims 15–20 million leaders and activists have been displaced under Dr. Yunus’s interim government, citing mob violence, arbitrary arrests, and severe human rights violations in Bangladesh.
Journalist Brutally Attacked During Puja in Sitakunda Over Alleged Awami League Ties
In Sitakunda, a mob allegedly linked to local BNP and Jamaat-Shibir activists attacked a journalist while he was offering prayers at a Hindu festival, labeling him an “Awami League associate.”