Five European human rights organisations have demanded that the Bangladesh authorities immediately release all wrongfully detained individuals, end mob rule, identify and prosecute the attackers who are enjoying impunity, protect the democratic rights of all citizens, and fully uphold Bangladeshโs obligations under international human rights law.
The organisations are South Asia Democratic Forum, Belgium, European Bangladesh Forum, EU & Great Britain, Working Group Bangladesh in Germany, Earth Civilization Network, Tรผrkiye, and Freedom and Justice Alliance.
โSince August 5, 2024, we have been observing a disturbing pattern of orchestrated mob attacks in Bangladesh, which pose a grave threat to democratic expression, civic freedoms, and social harmony,โ they said in a statement on Wednesday, mentioning the detention of 16 freedom fighters, academicians and journalists in Dhaka on August 28 after they were attacked by a mob led by Jamaat-e-Islami leaders.
โParticipants, including elderly freedom fighters, were subjected to verbal abuse and physical assault. Shockingly, law enforcement failed to protect the victims, instead arresting 16 participants while the actual perpetrators walked free.โ
The statement said that on August 30, those arrested were brought before the court on fabricated terrorism charges, denied bail, and sent to prison. These actions constitute a blatant abuse of the legal process and politically motivated persecution.
Plot of Pakistan Confederation Exposed: Bangladeshโs independence under threat
Mass arrests a troubling sign of intimidation, says PEN Bangladesh
โThis sequence of eventsโfrom mob violence and targeting victims instead of perpetrators, to false charges and denial of bailโviolates Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and guarantees the right to liberty and security of all individuals.โ
The civil society leaders emphasised that every citizen has the right to speak, assemble, and participate in politics without fear; mob attacks, harassment, and state complicity have no place in a democracy; authorities must act decisively to hold perpetrators accountable; and victims deserve protection, justice, and public acknowledgement of the wrongs committed against them.
NCP preparing for Turkish-style armed jihad in Bangladesh, assault on India
October Revolt: Jamaat-ISI final actions to assassinate General Waker, arrest dozens
โInaction will not only perpetuate injustice but also weaken the foundations of democracy and the rule of law. True democracy cannot survive where fear, violence, and harassment are tolerated. We stand united against these abuses and demand immediate, concrete measures to protect the dignity, rights, and safety of every individual,โ said the statement issued by Paulo Casaca, Ex-MEP of the EU Parliament, and Executive Director of SADF.
English