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.
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.
Uncertainty Persists Over Implementation of July National Charter, Say Political Groups
The National Consensus Commission has submitted its recommendations on implementing the July National Charter, including forming a Constitutional Reform Council, but political divisions and procedural ambiguity have cast doubt on its execution.
IMF Freezes Loan: No Confidence in Yunus-Led Unelected Government
The IMF has frozen further disbursement of its $5.5 billion loan to Bangladesh, citing the lack of a democratically elected government under Muhammad Yunus. Economic instability and mistrust grow as international donors step back.
BNP Urges Yunus to Adopt Caretaker-Style Interim Government Amid Legal and Constitutional Questions
With national elections just months away, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has called on Chief Advisor Dr. Muhammad Yunus to restructure the current interim government following the model of a non-partisan caretaker administration — a concept no longer recognized by the country’s constitution.
Awami League Stages Protests Across 35 Dhaka Spots Demanding Dr. Yunus’s Resignation
Leaders and activists of the Awami League, Jubo League, and affiliated organizations staged massive protest marches in Dhaka demanding the resignation of Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Advisor of the interim government, and his advisors.
Global Human Rights Organizations Call for Immediate Removal of Ban on Awami League
Six international human rights organizations have jointly issued an open letter to Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus calling for the adoption of 12 recommendations, including the lifting of the ban on the Awami League. They also praised interim government measures such as the restoration of fundamental freedoms, initiation of legal reforms, and important steps like investigations into enforced disappearances and other human rights violations.
IMF Lowers Bangladesh’s GDP Growth Forecast Again
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has once again downgraded its forecast for Bangladesh’s economic growth. In its latest World Economic Outlook report published Tuesday (October 14), the organization said that Bangladesh’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth for the fiscal year 2025–26 will be 4.9 percent — lower than its prior projections.
Volker Turk urges interim government not to repeat human rights violations and repression
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has strongly urged the interim government of Bangladesh to ensure that human rights violations and repression do not recur in the country. He also described the initiation of judicial processes against those accused of enforced disappearances and torture during the previous government as an important step towards accountability. This call was made in a statement on Wednesday.
Press Freedom Under Threat: BJIM Decries Violence Against Journalists
Bangladeshi Journalists in International Media (BJIM) has expressed serious concern over a series of violent assaults and threats targeting journalists across various districts in Bangladesh. According to a statement issued yesterday, the attacks allegedly involve local miscreants, charity owners, and even members of law enforcement agencies.