South Asians for Human Rights expresses concern over deteriorating law and order

South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in post-uprising Bangladesh, highlighting mob violence, attacks on minorities and women, and a growing sense of insecurity among citizens. 

The regional rights body said mass criminal cases, denial of bail, loopholes and delays in justice have further eroded public confidence.

At a press conference titled "A Year of Transition in Bangladesh" held yesterday (3 September) at DrikPath Bhaban in Dhaka, SAHR's Executive Director Dinesha Illangasinghe presented the organisation's findings. 

She said law and order has visibly worsened since the July uprising, with security forces failing to contain mob attacks, retaliatory violence and the overall breakdown of public safety.

"The interim government has a duty to ensure the security of all citizens. For that, urgent reforms in the constitution, judiciary, and law enforcement agencies are essential," Illangasinghe said. 

She stressed the need to safeguard minority communities, their assets and places of worship, calling targeted attacks on Hindus, Ahmadis, Sufis, indigenous groups in the plains and the Chittagong Hill Tracts, gender minorities and women "extremely alarming."

The SAHR report flagged nine key concerns. These include the continued use of repressive laws introduced under past authoritarian regimes, persistent curbs on freedom of expression, the dysfunction of the National Human Rights Commission and Information Commission, and the deepening polarisation within civil society.

A three-member SAHR delegation arrived in Bangladesh on 28 August to assess the rights situation after the July uprising. The team held meetings with Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, members of reform commissions, civil society representatives and students.

SAHR Co-chair Roshmi Goswami, member Sarup Ijaz and Bangladesh Bureau Member Saeed Ahmed also attended the press conference.