The 2026 annual report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) released recently criticized the current interim government under Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus for its struggles in upholding law and order and fulfilling promised human rights reforms. According to HRW, despite some improvements from the previous administration’s rule, the interim government has continued practices such as arbitrary detentions and severe restrictions on political activities.
While enforced disappearances and secret detentions have decreased since the fall of the previous government in 2024, HRW highlighted the persistent issue of arbitrary arrests, especially after the ban on activities of the Awami League (AL) last year. The report mentioned that hundreds of AL members, including leaders and supporters, are still in custody facing murder charges, with bail petitions routinely denied by courts.
HRW noted the large-scale arrests under the nationwide “Operation Devil Hunt,” which led to the detention of over 8,600 individuals, along with others held under special laws like the Special Powers Act and anti-terrorism statutes. The clashes in Gopalganj resulting in casualties and subsequent mass detentions were also pointed out in the report.
Furthermore, HRW raised concerns about the increasing incidents of mob violence by political groups and non-state actors, particularly targeting women’s rights and LGBTQ individuals. The report cited data indicating a rise in mob attacks resulting in fatalities, with figures from Ain o Salish Kendra showing a significant number of deaths due to such violence.
The rights group Odhikar’s data revealed instances of fatalities caused by law enforcement agencies, including deaths allegedly due to torture, as well as numerous injuries from political violence. HRW emphasized the ongoing restrictions on freedom of expression and association, attributing it partly to the ban on AL activities, which has limited public gatherings, publications, and online discourse.
Additionally, the report criticized the utilization of the Cyber Security Act, stating that it provides authorities with broad powers to prosecute dissenters. Despite the repeal of some contentious provisions earlier in the year, HRW underscored that the law still lacks compliance with international standards.
The International Crimes Tribunal’s actions against past government officials were highlighted, with several individuals receiving severe sentences. The report particularly critiqued the tribunal’s handling of cases, citing violations of fair trial standards and the imposition of the death penalty, contrary to international human rights norms. The interim government’s broad powers to prosecute and disband political entities were also scrutinized in the report.
Moreover, the formation of a commission to probe disappearances and extrajudicial killings faced challenges, as HRW noted instances of interference and evidence tampering. The report also highlighted attacks on minority groups, including violent incidents against Hindu communities and ongoing abuses in certain regions.
Regarding gender-based violence, HRW reported widespread occurrences, stating that women and girls faced significant challenges in seeking protection and justice. The role of women in past uprisings was acknowledged, but the report pointed out the lack of adequate female representation in the current government.
Efforts for legal reforms, including recommendations for criminalizing marital rape and enhancing women’s rights, faced opposition from certain groups, as mentioned in the report. Despite these recommendations and proposals, the report indicated a slowdown in reform implementations due to political divisions and delays.
