Anger against ousted AL govt is justified, lawlessness is not: HRW

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has stated that while public anger against the ousted Awami League government is justified, violating the law is not.

In a statement yesterday (6 February), the HRW criticised the recent attacks and vandalism targeting the residence of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in the capital's Dhanmondi-32 and the homes of Awami League leaders and activists across the country, as well as the authorities' failure to protect these properties.

Bangladesh, which has a history of political violence, should not spiral once again into deadly abuses, it said.

"The vandalism came as Hasina was going to address her supporters online. There is growing demand on India to repatriate Hasina. But the Indian government will be required, under international standards, to evaluate risks ahead of extradition."

According to the statement, titled " Mob in Bangladesh Destroys Ousted PM's Family Home," a mob in Bangladesh has demolished the Dhaka family home of ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina; properties owned by some of her relatives and party leaders were also targeted.

The attack, a so-called "bulldozer procession," was announced and shared on social media. However, the authorities were still unable to protect the properties.

Six months ago, in August 2024, Sheikh Hasina stepped down after 15 years of repression, including torture, extrajudicial killings, and enforced disappearances. Protests led by students, described by many as the Monsoon Revolution, eventually forced her into exile in India, the statement read.

Hasina's Awami League party government, which had remained in office through consecutive unfair elections, attempted to quell the protests with excessive force, leading to over 800 deaths, it added.

HRW further said the interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus has embarked upon reforms to repair institutions, including the justice system. It is also taking steps towards accountability for rights violations and corruption, and has pledged credible elections.

"The Yunus government should propose a consensus resolution at the upcoming United Nations Human Rights Council session in March to request technical assistance, further investigations, and monitoring and reporting by UN-backed human rights experts."

The resolution should also acknowledge the tyranny of the previous administration and recognize positive human rights steps taken by the interim government, it said.

HRW urges Bangladeshis seeking justice to back a UN-supported mechanism that promotes a democratic future rather than falling into a cycle of violence and retaliation.