DHAKA: The Amnesty International asked to Bangladeshi for immediate tackle a disturbing rise in forced disappearances over the past two years, stop the use of torture, and end their increasing crackdown on freedom of expression.
The briefing sets out some of the key human rights issues facing Bangladesh following the January 2014 elections, and makes recommendations to the government on issues which demand urgent attention.
“Bangladesh has made progress on reducing poverty and other development indicators, but this has not been matched when it comes to respecting human rights, such as torture or removing restrictions on freedom of expression,” said Abbas Faiz, Amnesty International’s Bangladesh Researcher.
They also said much abduction appear to have been politically motivated, with prominent members of opposition parties targeted. In several cases, eyewitnesses point to involvement by the police or its special force, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), but there has been almost no accountability for the security forces’ alleged role.
“The Narayanganj case is a litmus test for Bangladesh’s legal system. While it is positive that the three RAB suspects have been arrested, police must now follow through with a thorough investigation and bring those responsible to justice,” said Abbas Faiz.
Pointing at the freedom of expression, they said over the past two years, Bangladesh’s authorities have stepped up a crackdown on freedom of expression, in particular through draconian laws governing internet usage.
At least four bloggers and two human rights defenders have been charged under the Information and Communications Technology Act, a vaguely formulated law that gives authorities broad scope to charge those spreading “defaming information”.
“Amnesty International will be monitoring the developments in cases highlighted in this briefing as a test of the government’s determination to address the human rights concerns we have highlighted,” said Abbas Faiz.
“We urge the authorities to engage seriously with all the recommendations we are making,” he added.
BDST: 2127 HRS, SEP 02, 2014
