Four international organizations have jointly expressed deep concern over what they describe as a severe deterioration of the human rights situation in Bangladesh under the interim government.
Citing political violence, suppression of the media, attacks on religious minorities, and extrajudicial killings, they have called upon the European Union and the global community to take immediate and effective action.
The European Bangladesh Forum, South Asia Democratic Forum (Belgium), Working Group Bangladesh in Germany, and the Earth Civilization Network (Turkey) issued a joint 16-page letter addressed to several international stakeholders, including Kaja Kallas, the EU Commissioner for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The letter claims that since the interim government assumed office, persecution of political opponents, custodial torture and killings, and attacks by Islamist groups on religious and ethnic minorities have sharply increased.
It states that Islamist elements, allegedly linked to the former ruling party, are attacking innocent minorities and villagers—burning homes and committing murders.
The groups are demanding impartial investigations and justice for those killed in extrajudicial incidents and mob violence between September 2024 and February 2025.
The letter also highlights a sharp decline in press freedom in Bangladesh. It claims that 167 journalists have had their press accreditation revoked, and around 140 journalists face fabricated charges.
Journalists from leading dailies like Prothom Alo and The Daily Star reportedly face regular threats and harassment. It also mentions that writer and journalist Shahriar Kabir is allegedly being held unlawfully and denied proper medical treatment.
The signatories called for urgent EU intervention, asserting that an international response is critical to ending state repression, ensuring a free and fair electoral environment, and safeguarding press freedom and civil liberties in Bangladesh.
The statement was issued by Chris Blackburn (Communications Director, European Bangladesh Forum, UK), Paulo Casaca (Executive Director, South Asia Democratic Forum, Belgium), Klaus Stäpel (Working Group Bangladesh in Germany), and Tarik Günersel (Poet and Founder, Earth Civilization Network, Turkey).
They concluded by warning that Bangladesh is at a critical crossroads, and without swift international intervention, democracy, secularism, and human rights in the country could be permanently undermined.
