ARTICLE 19, a UK based international human rights body, expresses deep concern over recent measures by authorities on the activities of a civil society organization (CSO) Odhikar.
This type of decision will have a chilling effect on other CSOs in Bangladesh and disrupt their normal activities, ARTICLE 19 said in a press release on Monday.
Faruq Faisel, regional director of ARTICLE 19 South Asia, said: “Civic space in Bangladesh is being squeezed on all sides and it’s getting worse. The situation is particularly unfavorable for the organizations and groups that work to address serious human rights violations.”
Right to protest, right to association and freedom of expression are constitutional rights guaranteed in the Bangladesh constitution, he added.
ARTICLE 19 called on the government to ensure an enabling regulatory and favourable political environment for civil society organizations (CSOs) to continue their work in the country.
