The International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL) expresses its deep concern over the ongoing and horrific gross violations of human rights in Bangladesh.
In particular, there have been incidents of arson, looting, and attacks on the offices of national daily newspapers and various cultural organizations that uphold national heritage and culture; assaults on lawyers and litigants within court premises; and the killing of citizens from minority communities in various parts of the country in horrific ways. While strongly condemning these human rights violations, IADL notes that such extremist incidents continue to occur in Bangladesh, placing the country’s freedom of speech and personal freedom under severe threat.
In addition, communal and extremist groups are attacking women in various parts of the country under unjust pretexts. The inaction and failure of the current interim government of Bangladesh, led by Nobel laureate Prof. Yunus, to address these incidents have further worsened the overall situation. Taking advantage of this critical condition, imperialists and various geopolitical forces have become active in advancing their own agendas, thus endangering the country’s independence and sovereignty.
IADL expresses its solidarity with the pro-democracy struggle of the people of Bangladesh to defend human rights, freedom of speech, and personal freedom. At the same time, it calls the attention of all concerned parties, including the United Nations and the international community, to the urgent need for a democratic transition in Bangladesh through a credible, free, and fair election.