100 Days of Dr Yunus: No change in human rights situation with cases

In its report, “100 Days of Dr Yunus: Mobocracy Imperils Bangladesh’s Reforms”, the Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) deplored Noble Laureate Dr Mohammed Yunus, Chief Advisor of the Interim Government for replicating every act of deposed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, further supervising increased violations of the rights of the indigenous peoples and religious minorities and providing impunity to the murderers of 44 policemen killed during the students protests.

Describing deplorable human rights violations during the first 100 days of Dr Yunus, the RRAG through a press statement listed criminal cases against at least 2,72,316 persons mainly political opponents in 1,598 cases; targeting of about 354 journalists including acts of violence against at least 74 journalists, criminal cases against at least 113 journalists and cancellation of press accreditation of at least 167 journalists; establishing a compliant judiciary by removing five Supreme Court judges including the Chief Justice and 12 High Court judges because of the protests of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; dissolving the NHRC by forcing all the members to resign because of the critical monthly report in October contrary to the Interim Government’s claims on law and order situation; using the discredited International War Crimes Tribunal against political opponents by filing more than 80 complaints of crimes against humanity and genocide as of 4 November 2024; increased attacks on indigenous peoples in the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHTs) from 19 September to 1 October 2024 including killing of four indigenous persons, injuries to 75 others and destruction of at least 142 houses, shops and other business establishments, properties, Buddhist temples on which the Government Inquiry Commission report has not been made public as yet; complete “NO” to the implementation of the CHTs Peace Accord by Dr Mohammed Yunus; over 2,000 cases of alleged attacks on the religious minorities dismissed by Dr Yunus without any investigation for being Awami League supporters; effective ban on the freedom of association and peaceful assembly by the indigenous peoples and the religious minorities as shown from the systematic attacks upon indigenous peoples from 19 September to 1 October in the Chittagong Hill Tracts following the “March For Identity” on 18 September 2024, and registration of a case naming 582 people, mainly Hindus as accused after acts of violence upon the Hindus on 5 November in the Hazari Gali area of Chittagong; continuous use of the draconian Cyber Security Act with 11 cases having been filed so far with no signs for repeal of the Act; indemnity issued by barring the law enforcement personnel from arresting or filing cases against anyone involved in the July-August uprising in which at least 44 policemen were killed; and attempt to establish ‘Awami League Free Bangladesh’ by banning its students wing, Chhatra League, as a terrorist organization, excluding the Awami League led 14-party alliance from any discussion on the proposed reforms and thereby seeking the Awami League ban from participation in the elections.

 “Dr Yunus is still not being questioned despite such gross human rights violations, indeed repeating everything that was wrong with Hasina’s tenure, supervising more attacks on indigenous peoples and religious minorities and indeed, issuing indemnity to those who killed at least 44 policemen during the uprising, an act not done by Sheikh Hasina.”- stated Mr Suhas Chakma, Director of the RRAG.

“What is more worrying is the mob-rule: Dr Yunus’s Interim Government using the students to justify all the illegal and unconstitutional acts including to remain in power as long as he wishes. As late as 14 November, Dr Yunus reiterated that elections will be held only after reforms. These reforms can take months or years, and he can remain in power even though these reforms can be effectively rejected by the next elected government.” – also stated by Mr Chakma.

The RRAG stated that “none can question these proposed reform measures or delay in holding elections because of the fear of the mob. Even the main political party, Bangladesh National Party, has been hesitant to be not seen as against the students. The Jamaat-e-Islami has become the key support system for Dr Yunus’s government. By banning the Chhatra League, the student’s wing of the Awami League, as a terrorist organization and burning down the headquarters of the Jatiya Party, an ally of the Awami League, on the night of 31 October with impunity, the Interim Government appears to have chosen the path of no return.

“Dr Yunus appears to have squandered the opportunity for establishing genuine democracy in Bangladesh through national reconciliation. If the international community continues to support so-called reforms for the sake of support without taking into account the basic fact that wide ranging reforms being undertaken need not be acceptable to the next elected government, Bangladesh is bound to fail”. – cautioned Mr Chakma.

The RRAG urged for implementation of the recommendations of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Mr Volker Turk to allow his office to be established in Bangladesh to support the “transition process” including by “offering advice on legal, institutional, economic and social reforms, transitional justice, reconciliation, and healing”.