Interim government has jeopardized people's fundamental rights

International philanthropic organization Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that Bangladesh interim government has jeopardized people's fundamental rights and liberty. HRW has held Bangladesh interim government responsible for crackdown on ousted political party Awami League instead of materializing necessary reforms in the country's judicial system. HRW is headquartered in New York, United States.

The latest report by HRW unveiled on Wednesday (21 May 2025) states that the interim government in Bangladesh banned the political activities of Awami League. According to HRW, such repressive instruments were weaponized by the previous government too. HRW added that the decision to ban Awami League bears indications of violating people's fundamental rights.

HRW says that enforced disappearances occurred enormously during the ruling period of overthrown Awami League government but the interim government's action to prosecute human rights violators is not at all clear. HRW commented that Bangladesh interim government has failed to meet global standards in formulating laws to prevent further incidence of enforced disappearances. 

HRW Deputy Director for Asia Meenakshi Ganguly said "The drafted law on enforced disappearances in Bangladesh does not contain effective structure to ensure justice for the victims who were subjected to enforced disappearances and their families."

HRW has also expressed disappointment over terminating Awami League's registration indefinitely. HRW termed Awami League as one of the largest political parties in Bangladesh. HRW has put forward the observations that Awami League has been active in Bangladesh's political arena even before 1971 and abrogation of the political programs of Awami League has restricted people's freedom of expression, HRW mentioned.

However, HRW made it clear that Awami League leaders and officials of the unseated government who violated human rights and abused power should be prosecuted.