UN Urges Bangladesh to Create Safe Environment for Human Rights Activists

UN human rights chief expresses concern over harassment and detention of activists in Bangladesh

Introduction: The United Nations has raised concerns about the ongoing harassment and detention of human rights defenders in Bangladesh, including Nobel laureate Mohammad Yunus and leaders of the prominent rights organization Odhikar. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, has called on authorities in Bangladesh to establish a safe and enabling environment for activists and civil society leaders. The international community has expressed alarm over the intimidation and legal proceedings faced by human rights advocates, signaling potential threats to civic and democratic space in the country.

Targeting of Human Rights Activists and Political Opponents

The Hasina government has faced accusations of targeting rights activists and political opponents, with security forces allegedly involved in numerous extrajudicial killings since 2008. In December 2021, the United States imposed sanctions on the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite paramilitary force, over its alleged involvement in extrajudicial killings. Furthermore, the US has threatened to restrict visas for Bangladeshis who undermine the upcoming elections. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has accused the US of seeking regime change due to its criticism of human rights in Bangladesh.

International Support for Muhammad Yunus

Global leaders, including former US President Barack Obama, former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, and over 100 Nobel laureates, have expressed deep concern over threats to democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. In an open letter, they urged Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to suspend legal proceedings against Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus. Yunus, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for pioneering microcredit, has been targeted by what they believe to be continuous judicial harassment. The letter expressed confidence that a thorough review of the cases against Yunus would result in his acquittal.

Hasina's Response and Yunus' Controversies

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina responded to the international concerns by inviting experts and lawyers to assess the legal proceedings and examine the charges against Muhammad Yunus. Hasina defended her administration's investigations into Yunus, which began after she came to power in 2008. Yunus had announced plans to form a political party in 2007 but did not follow through. He has also criticized politicians in Bangladesh, accusing them of being motivated by money. Hasina referred to Yunus as a "bloodsucker" and accused him of using force to recover loans from poor rural women during his tenure as the head of Grameen Bank. Conclusion: The United Nations' call for a safe and enabling environment for human rights activists in Bangladesh highlights the growing concerns over the harassment and detention faced by defenders of human rights. The international community, including prominent figures and Nobel laureates, has expressed their support for Muhammad Yunus and urged the government to suspend legal proceedings against him. The response from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina emphasizes the need for an impartial assessment of the charges against Yunus. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Bangladesh will address these concerns and ensure the protection of human rights and democratic values.