On January 1, 2025, Bangladesh's transitional government, led by Muhammad Yunus, is under increasing international scrutiny regarding human rights conditions in the country. Recent reports have highlighted attacks on Hindu minorities and the destruction of places of worship.
Last week, Yunus met with U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, where both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to respecting and protecting the human rights of all individuals, regardless of religion. This meeting comes amid growing complaints from Hindu and other minority communities about harassment under the interim government following the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024.
In a recent incident, 17 homes belonging to the Tripura Christian community in Bandarban district were reportedly burned on Christmas Eve. Yunus' office condemned the attack, describing it as 'sad and unacceptable.' Despite increased security in Bandarban, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) criticized Yunus for failing to address escalating violations against indigenous and religious minorities.
RRAG reported serious violations, noting that over 272,000 people, primarily political opponents, have been implicated in 1,598 criminal cases during the first 100 days of Yunus' administration. Between September 19 and October 1, at least four individuals were reported killed and over 75 injured.
Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton stated that individuals involved in criminal cases often face physical attacks during detention. In response to rising concerns, Yunus asserted that reports of human rights violations have been exaggerated.
During a recent visit to Dhaka, Indian Foreign Minister Vikram Misri and his Bangladeshi counterpart, Mohammad Jashim Uddin, discussed the importance of non-interference in Bangladesh's internal matters. Uddin emphasized that all religious groups in Bangladesh are free to practice their beliefs without foreign intervention.
Reports have emerged of several senior leaders of the Awami League party, previously led by Hasina, dying in custody, raising serious concerns and controversies. In just 29 days, four Awami League leaders reportedly died from 'heart attacks' while detained, increasing the total number of former party members who have died in police custody to at least ten over the past four months.
Family members insist that signs of torture were evident on the victims' bodies. Former Minister of Information and Broadcasting Mohammad Ali Arafat suggested that the mysterious deaths would eventually be uncovered.
Journalists aligned with Hasina's government have reported facing harassment under Yunus' administration, which is accused of systematically suppressing independent media. RRAG documented over 354 instances of journalist harassment, 74 reported cases of violence, and 113 criminal charges filed against journalists.
The Committee to Protect Journalists and Reporters Without Borders have urged the government to ensure fair legal processes and uphold procedural rights for journalists. Senior news editor Masood Kamal noted that journalists supporting the former government have lost their jobs under the interim regime.
Lawyers have also faced challenges in representing those opposing the interim government. Prominent human rights lawyer ZI Khan Panna expressed serious concerns about the deteriorating legal environment, highlighting instances where anti-government lawyers have been attacked in court and subsequently wrongfully accused of additional crimes.
Yunus' interim government has faced widespread criticism for granting impunity to those responsible for the deaths of 44 police officers during student protests. Barrister Andaleeve Rahman, leader of the right-center Jatiya Party, conveyed concerns about the negative precedent set by this impunity, criticizing the lack of an investigation into the deaths and warning that such actions could demoralize police officers.