Bangladesh has evolved into a surveillance-driven society, according to Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).
In a press conference held at the Midas Centre in Dhaka’s Dhanmondi, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman expressed concerns regarding the country`s increasing reliance on surveillance that infringes on basic human rights.
Addressing the gathering on Thursday at 12:00 PM, Iftekharuzzaman referenced a United Nations (UN) report, which highlighted the global standard for human rights and called on the state to retreat from surveillance practices that violate fundamental freedoms.
He said, “According to the UN report, surveillance that breaches basic rights must be stopped, and our state must withdraw from such practices."
The press conference was organized by the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB), which demanded the formation of a roadmap to implement the recommendations set forth in the UN`s fact-finding report concerning human rights violations and violence during the July-August uprising.
During his speech, Iftekharuzzaman pointed out that two key institutions—RAB (Rapid Action Battalion) and NTMC (National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre)—were singled out in the report for dissolution.
"This echoes a concern we have been voicing for a long time: Bangladesh has been transformed into a surveillance society," he remarked.
In addition to these concerns, Iftekharuzzaman shed light on the role of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI).
He stressed that DGFI’s mandate is to function as a security-related intelligence body, not as an organization that governs or safeguards people`s rights.
“DGFI`s activities should be limited, and similarly, the military control over Ansar-VDP (Village Defence Party) must come to an end,” he added.
The TIB executive director also called for accountability and justice for those in power during the Awami League regime.
"There must be comprehensive trials, especially for those who were in leadership positions during the Awami League era. We have made it clear that no force behind the Awami League will be exempt from scrutiny," he emphasized.
The press conference also touched on the controversial involvement of law enforcement agencies in the 2024 violence.
Iftekharuzzaman cited the UN report`s proposal, which recommends that no member of the army, DGFI, RAB, police, Ansar, or BGB involved in the 2024 violence be deployed in any peacekeeping mission.
He further noted that the UN`s report highlighted the importance of protecting the independence of civil society and media in Bangladesh.
"Our civil society and media must have the freedom to operate in an unrestricted environment," Iftekharuzzaman said.
The TIB executive director also pushed for immediate reforms to prevent further human rights violations in the country.
He outlined the UN’s five key areas for reform: accountability and the justice system, law enforcement and security forces, civil rights and a democratic environment, the political system, and economic governance and anti-corruption.
"To build a future Bangladesh where human rights are safeguarded, reforms in these sectors are crucial," he concluded.
Other notable figures in attendance included Shamsul Huda, Executive Director of ALRD; Tamanna Haque Riti, Coordinator of Ain o Salish Kendra; Md. Borkot Ali, Director of BLAST; Roushan Ara, Member of Naripokkho; and Zakir Hossain, Chief Executive of Nagorik Uddyog.
The call for reforms comes as Bangladesh faces mounting pressure from both local and international bodies to address human rights concerns, particularly in light of the recent unrest and subsequent allegations of violence and rights violations.
-20250321131424.jpg)
-20250321112258.webp)
