Human Rights Watch accuses Bangladesh of oppressing opposition parties

COX’S BAZAR, Bangladesh (AA) – A global human rights watchdog has accused Bangladeshi authorities of launching crackdowns on opposition political parties.

In a statement, Human Rights Watch said: “Opposition groups are reporting an escalation of repression by Bangladesh authorities and attacks by the ruling party (Awami League) supporters as the country starts preparing for national elections in 2023.”

The Bangladesh government, however, denied the charges, saying the report was based on “propaganda”

The New York-based rights watchdog called on the Bangladesh authorities to respect the rule of law and protect opposition supporters’ right to freedom of association and peaceful assembly.

Citing available documents, it said that at least four people have been killed and hundreds injured in clashes between police and supporters of the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), as well as between BNP and Awami League supporters, since August 22, 2022.

Referring to media reports on the killing of BNP activists, the statement added: “While police have carried out mass arrests of opposition supporters, those affiliated with the ruling party appear to have impunity for violent attacks.”

Expressing serious concern, it warned that mass arrests and police raids on opposition party members’ homes will violate the democratic rights of the opposition parties and create scope of intimidation ahead of the elections.

Noting that Bangladesh election campaigns are often accompanied by violence, the rights body pointed out that the authorities have failed to properly investigate and prosecute members and supporters of the ruling Awami League, “who have targeted opposition public meetings and assaulted participants.”

“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly said that Bangladesh is a mature democracy capable of conducting elections and a peaceful transition of power, but instead previous polls have been marked by violence, attacks on the opposition, and voter intimidation,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch.

Quoting BNP as claiming, the statement added that at least 20,000 cases have been filed against its supporters.

Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan said that the report was based on false and fabricated information.

“It is hundred percent political propaganda against Bangladesh. Our human rights situation is far better than many other countries.”