Ahead of the 13th national parliamentary election, the international human rights organisation Amnesty International has called upon Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus to ensure the protection of human rights in Bangladesh.
In an open letter to the chief adviser, Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnes Callamard said that the elections, scheduled to be held on 12 February, “presents both responsibility and opportunity to restore public trust, strengthen governance, and ensure full respect for human rights and the rule of law.”
Although the letter was sent last Monday, it was published on the organisation’s website on Wednesday.
The letter states that Bangladesh’s interim government must fully protect fundamental human rights, including the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. Amnesty has called upon the government to ensure the protection of these rights in laws, policies, and practices before the election.
Amnesty International expressed concern, stating that the government has shown a “an alarming trend of journalists being targeted for their perceived support of the Awami League,” highlighting the violence and vandalism that took place at The Daily Star and Prothom Alo offices after Osman Hadi passed away.
“Moreover,” the letter read, “they are part of a documented pattern of attacks against journalists, media workers, minorities and artists by non-state actors in 2025.”
Callamard urged the government to investigate these attacks, and said that the administration is dutybound to ensure that each of their human rights are respected.
The organization said the interim government must provide all Bangladeshis the opportunity to freely and safely participate in determining their country’s future and must ensure the preservation of life and security during the election.
Amnesty International has also expressed concern regarding Bangladesh’s ongoing situation in the letter, stating, “The choices made now will shape Bangladesh’s human rights trajectory for years to come,” urging the interim government to “seize this opportunity demonstrate genuine leadership” and ensure free, fair, and safe elections for the Bangladeshi people.
