Urgent call for action: Human rights violations and Islamic extremism in Bangladesh highlighted at UN

Ansar Ahmed Ullah
shottobani

Geneva,Switzerland – A critical side event titled “Human Rights Violations and Rise of Islamic Extremism in Bangladesh” was held during the 58th session of the UN Human Rights Council, drawing urgent attention to the escalating crisis in Bangladesh. The event, organised by TACUDU – Tumuku Development & Cultural Union, featured international journalists and human rights activists who expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating law and order situation, the alarming rise of Islamist extremism, and the ongoing persecution of religious minorities under the interim government led by Nobel laureate Dr Yunus.

Investigative journalist Sahar Zand, who has reported extensively on human rights issues, shared chilling accounts from her recent visit to Bangladesh. She highlighted the violence faced by religious minorities, including extrajudicial killings and mob attacks, stating, “What I saw happening in Bangladesh is terrifying, similar to what I have seen in countries like Iran and Afghanistan”. Zand emphasised that the plight of these minorities is largely overlooked by the international community, warning that the situation is dire and that innocent lives are at stake.

The event featured speakers who drew parallels between the current state of Bangladesh and the crises in Iran and Afghanistan following regime changes. They warned that the country is on the brink of becoming a failed state, with the international community’s response being insufficient. Activists called for independent investigations into the reported human rights abuses, criticising the United Nations’ Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for its flawed methodology and perceived bias in its inquiries.

Rayhan Rashid, another prominent speaker and legal consultant, pointed out the troubling trend of intimidation and impunity under the current regime. He noted that the judiciary has come under increasing pressure from the executive, leading to a breakdown of trust in the justice system. “Mob violence continues, and sexual violence has skyrocketed,” he stated, highlighting the release of hundreds of convicts charged with terrorism and the attacks on police stations that have armed extremist groups.

Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi, an activist and human rights defender, added that the event brought to light harrowing accounts of rights abuses, including religious persecution and extrajudicial killings, affecting millions of people in Bangladesh. He emphasised that these issues remain wrapped in denial and are ignored by the international community and global media.

Participants at the event urged the international community to take immediate action to prevent further deterioration of human rights in Bangladesh. They emphasised the need for global attention and intervention to safeguard the rights and lives of vulnerable populations. The call for action was underscored by the recognition that Bangladesh, once seen as a beacon of hope for women’s empowerment and communal harmony, is now facing a significant regression in human rights.

The event served as a clarion call for the international community not to overlook the plight of the people of Bangladesh. As the situation continues to evolve, the voices of those suffering under the current regime must be amplified, and their calls for help must not go unanswered. The urgency of the matter cannot be overstated, as the future of millions hangs in the balance.

As the international community grapples with these pressing issues, the event highlighted the critical need for a unified response to prevent Bangladesh from descending further into chaos and to ensure that the rights of all its citizens are protected. Others who addressed the event were Kevin Lawrence and former UK MP Paul Bristow.