The Asiapost News

The optimism that swept Bangladesh following the forced removal of the Awami League government has been overshadowed by growing concerns over political instability, escalating violence, and a faltering rule of law, according to a report by the UK-based Commonwealth All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG).

Based on testimonies from individuals and institutions documenting over 2,000 incidents of violence, the APPG has issued a stark warning to UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy regarding the precarious situation in the South Asian nation.

A Grim Assessment

Despite notable strides in economic and social development, the report paints an unwelcoming picture of Bangladesh under the Awami League’s tenure, citing widespread corruption, sycophancy, and a dismal human rights record.

“Our inquiry heard of a pervasive lack of faith in public institutions, democratic processes, and a free press,” the report states. It also raises doubts about the new interim government led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, stressing the urgent need to uphold human rights and end the misuse of legal instruments as political weapons.

Politicization of Justice

The report highlights the entrenched politicization of Bangladesh’s legal system, noting a concerning escalation in the scope and severity of charges brought against Awami League members and supporters.

During the Awami League’s rule, Yunus himself was sentenced to six months in prison for alleged violations of labour laws, but the APPG underscores the alarming scale of criminal charges now being filed.

Citing data from the Rights & Risks Analysis Group (RRAG), the report reveals that over 194,000 individuals associated with the Awami League have been implicated in criminal cases. Among these, 26,268 are named, while approximately 168,000 remain unnamed in complaints that often accuse hundreds at a time.

“This practice of mass accusations has become a troubling trend, weaponizing the legal system to persecute political opponents,” the APPG report observes.

Press Freedom Under Siege

The APPG also flags the dire state of journalism in Bangladesh, describing it as “highly politicized”. As of October, at least 54 journalists, perceived as aligned with the former Awami League government, face charges including genocide and crimes against humanity. Six journalists remain imprisoned, drawing international condemnation, including from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ).

Alarming Levels of Violence

The APPG expresses deep concern over escalating violence, citing evidence of widespread looting, gangrapes, arson, and attacks on individuals and properties. Notable incidents include mob lynchings—21 people were killed in such attacks within 38 days—and assaults on significant landmarks like the Bangabandhu Memorial Museum.

Data from the Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (MSF) highlights a grim tally:

• Political attacks: 619 injured and five killed in September.
• Mob lynchings: 53 incidents reported.
• Extrajudicial killings: At least six cases by mid-September.
• Weapon theft: Over 5,800 weapons looted, with nearly 1,900—including rifles, pistols, and SMGs—still unaccounted for.

Communal Violence Escalates

Communal tensions have also surged, with over 2,000 attacks reported between August 4 and August 20. These include nine murders, four rapes, and widespread vandalism and arson targeting temples and households. The highest concentration of attacks occurred in Khulna, where incidents included the rape of a speech-impaired woman.

Impact on Religious Minorities

The APPG gathered testimony from Hindu, Christian, Buddhist, and indigenous communities in Bangladesh. Many shared harrowing accounts of violence, looting, and destruction, underscoring the vulnerability of religious minorities in the current climate.

A Troubling Future

The APPG concludes that Bangladesh faces a critical crossroads. Without decisive action to restore the rule of law, protect human rights, and address rising communal tensions, the country risks descending further into instability. The report’s findings serve as a stark reminder of the urgent need for both domestic and international attention to the unfolding crisis.