Human Rights Desk

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over continued mass arrests in Bangladesh, warning that the country risks remaining trapped in a cycle of political repression despite the government’s commitment to restoring human rights and the rule of law.

Elaine Pearson, Asia director of the New York-based rights organisation, said the new administration had detained individuals perceived as political opponents and weakened safeguards intended to protect fundamental rights.

According to HRW, the situation raises serious questions about the protection of civil liberties under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-led government. The organisation stressed that previous abuses committed during the Awami League’s rule cannot be used to justify similar violations by the current authorities.

Arrests at JASAD Gathering Raise Rights Concerns

The detention of nearly 290 supporters of the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) in Dhaka on September 26 has emerged as a major concern in the latest assessment.

Police reportedly detained the supporters after members of the BNP’s youth wing, Juba Dal, alleged that the gathering was a secret meeting linked to the banned Awami League, led by former prime minister Sheikh Hasina.

A court subsequently ordered 27 of those detained to be held in custody. The allegations reportedly included chanting the slogan “Joy Bangla”, which is associated with the Awami League.

JASAD was part of the 14-party alliance led by the Awami League, which governed Bangladesh from 2009 until its removal from power in 2024 following a student-led uprising.

HRW has described the mass detentions as part of a wider pattern of pressure on civil and political freedoms. The organisation maintains that peaceful political association and freedom of expression must be protected regardless of an individual’s political affiliation.

Further Detentions Reported in Barishal and Dhaka

The report also referred to separate incidents involving alleged Awami League supporters.

On September 26, police in Barishal reportedly detained 12 activists over allegations that they had gathered secretly to plan acts of sabotage. Two days later, another 15 people were arrested in Dhaka under the Anti-Terrorism Act 2009 over similar allegations.

Those detained in both incidents reportedly said they had assembled to mark Sheikh Hasina’s birthday.

These incidents have renewed concerns about the use of detention powers against people suspected of political affiliations. Human rights advocates argue that allegations of criminal conduct should be supported by evidence and subject to independent judicial scrutiny.

Past Abuses Cannot Justify Present Violations

HRW acknowledged the grave human rights record associated with Sheikh Hasina’s time in power, including allegations of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture and arbitrary detention of political opponents.

However, Pearson emphasised that abuses committed by a previous administration do not excuse violations by its successor.

International human rights standards protect freedom of expression and association for everyone. These protections apply equally to government supporters, opposition activists and individuals associated with political movements that have fallen out of favour.

Accountability and Equal Protection Under the Law

The latest concerns highlight a broader challenge for Bangladesh: ensuring that political change leads to stronger institutions, greater accountability and consistent respect for fundamental rights.

A credible commitment to democratic governance requires authorities to distinguish between peaceful political activity and demonstrable criminal conduct. Arrests must have a lawful basis, detainees must receive due process, and allegations must be examined fairly by independent courts.

For Bangladesh to move beyond a recurring pattern of political retaliation, human rights protections must be applied consistently, irrespective of which party holds power.

Source: Based on reporting by United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and statements attributed to Human Rights Watch, published on October 6, 2026.