UN Human Rights Session in Geneva Expresses Deep Concern Over Bangladesh’s Rights Situation

Hindu Voice Team: During a side event of the 60th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Commission (UNHRC) in Geneva, international rights advocates and policy experts voiced grave concern over the deteriorating human rights and democratic conditions in Bangladesh. The discussion focused on the alleged wave of political repression, arbitrary arrests, and extrajudicial killings under the current interim administration.

The seminar, titled “Violations of Fundamental Rights, Rule of Law, and Democracy in Bangladesh,” was jointly organized by the Center for Gender Justice and Women Empowerment, the Global Center for Democratic Governance, and the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh. Nearly a hundred delegates from Europe, South Asia, and other regions attended the event.

Speakers alleged that Bangladesh is witnessing a systematic erosion of civil liberties and that dissenting voices are being silenced through intimidation and state-sponsored abuse. They urged the international community to take a firm stance and initiate effective actions to restore human rights and democratic norms in the country.

Participants also questioned the transparency and editorial standards of a recent UN report on Bangladesh. Professor Dr. Md. Habibe Millat, President of the Global Center for Democratic Governance, remarked, “If the UN Human Rights Commission’s report did not adhere to the organization’s own editorial standards, one must question why it was released at all.”

Paulo Casaca, Founder and Executive Director of the South Asia Democratic Forum, warned that, “Any national election that excludes a major political party like the Awami League cannot be recognized as a legitimate democratic process — it would be a fraudulent exercise.”

Suhas Chakma, Director of the Rights and Risks Analysis Group, called for the establishment of an independent national human rights council and stressed the need for a renewed international initiative to safeguard human rights in Bangladesh.

Representing the Never Again Association, Natalia Siniava-Pankovska condemned ongoing violations of women’s and children’s rights under the interim regime and demanded transparent investigation into each incident.

Meanwhile, Chris Blackburn, Communications Director of the European Bangladesh Forum, highlighted recent rights abuses in the Chittagong Hill Tracts and urged that perpetrators be held accountable.

The session was moderated by Dr. Choncy Ayeh Joseph, President of the Center for Human Rights and Peace Advocacy. In closing remarks, Rahman Khalilur Mamun, Executive President of the International Forum for Secular Bangladesh, expressed gratitude to all participants and reaffirmed the forum’s commitment to promoting democracy and justice in Bangladesh.