Every individual, regardless of their background or birthplace, is entitled to the same rights that ensure fair treatment and the opportunity to treat others with dignity. This principle of human rights is at the core of our shared humanity. In essence, human rights are the basic freedoms and protections owed to everyone, regardless of race, gender, sexuality, religion, or beliefs.
These rights are not mere privileges; they are inalienable and universal -- they cannot be legitimately granted or taken away.
In Bangladesh, the Constitution serves as the cornerstone for human rights, clearly articulating these values in the preamble. Subsequent sections -- Part II and Part III -- outline specific rights and establish a legal framework for their protection and promotion for all citizens.
While the existence of these rights seems uncomplicated, their implementation in a developing country like Bangladesh reveals profound complexities.
With World Human Rights Day on December 10, we must examine the current state of human rights in Bangladesh. Throughout its history, this nation has wrestled with the concepts of justice and rights, shaped by its rich tapestry of societies, religions, and cultures.
This long struggle still continues, especially in recent months. Following Sheikh Hasina's departure to neighbouring India, there is a flicker of hope for improvement. However, we must confront the reality that we are navigating a critical period filled with challenges and dilemmas regarding human rights.
Bangladesh has recently experienced some violations of civil liberties. There was a surge in political unrest, resulting in a brutal response from the government. However, after mass protests in July led to the resignation of Sheikh Hasina, the interim government led by Dr Muhammad Yunus refrained from the harsh crackdown on dissenters that characterized the previous administration.
Human rights organizations have reported several cases of arbitrary arrests, detentions, and torture involving activists, journalists, and opposition figures. The government claimed that all arrests are the result of cases filed by those who feel aggrieved.
For the past 15 years, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party has frequently complained about the lack of a level playing field in politics. With the interim government now in place, political rights and the electoral climate have begun to shift back into the hands of the citizens.
While improvements may seem minimal, the Election Commission has been formed and is responsible for planning, administration, and management of voter awareness, as well as training personnel for data enumeration.
Bangladesh's judicial system is currently experiencing a phase of reform aimed at enhancing efficiency and transparency under the interim government.
While these efforts are commendable, there remain challenges such as corruption, political interference, and the backlog of cases that need to be addressed. Although strides are being made to bolster the judiciary and promote justice, there is still room for significant advancements. Regarding accountability and institutional reform, it seems that this recommendation is being considered in conjunction with other ongoing efforts for institutional improvement.
For the past 15 years, enforced disappearances of politicians and civil society members have been a major concern in Bangladesh. Families of the missing individuals have raised alarms about the increasing number of such cases, alleging that state security forces may be involved.
On August 29, 2024, Bangladesh signed the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. This significant step was taken by the interim government and reflects the country's commitment to addressing the issue of enforced disappearances, a long-standing problem.
Recent developments have underscored the perseverance of our people alongside the existing vulnerabilities within our human rights framework
However, the interim government is also trying to introduce new regulations that regulate the activities of various organizations. This has led to increased scrutiny and harassment of human rights defenders and civil society groups. Some media personalities and journalists have been arrested, and certain media outlets have faced repercussions due to their editorial policies.
Unlike the previous government, which imposed strict censorship on media outlets -- resulting in the closure of several independent news channels and websites -- journalists now face less intimidation, harassment, and physical attacks for reporting critically on government actions. This development offers a glimmer of hope for the future.
Bangladesh's economic landscape has encountered a range of challenges over the years, particularly with rising inflation and unemployment. Nevertheless, there are encouraging signs on the horizon, such as robust remittance inflows, export growth, and ongoing infrastructure development. The overall outlook reveals a nuanced picture, as the country’s resilience and strong economic fundamentals may offer pathways to successfully navigate these challenges.
The government’s implementation of austerity measures aims to address these economic issues, though it is important to acknowledge that such measures can sometimes lead to unintended short-term consequences that may strain the economy. Nonetheless, it is anticipated that these actions will yield long-term advantages by enhancing fiscal discipline and fostering sustainable economic growth.
While there are clear strategies in place for economic improvement, there appears to be a need for more decisive changes in the targets and execution of economic policies, particularly regarding the safeguarding of labour rights. During this period, there have been notable labour protests, especially within the garment sector, which plays a vital role in the Bangladesh economy.
In October, workers from Savar and Gazipur signaled their intention to strike for improved wages in response to rising costs for goods and services across the country. Although there has been some movement towards addressing wage demands, the ongoing challenge of securing comprehensive labour rights for workers remains an important issue that warrants attention.
The ongoing challenge of accountability within key institutions remains a critical concern. There have been some reports highlighting issues such as potential bias among judges, and inefficiencies within the system. Acknowledging these issues is essential, yet it is important to recognize that we are navigating a significant transition period as a nation.
To truly uphold human rights, we must collectively commit to fostering an environment where everyone’s rights and responsibilities are respected. It is only through a shared concern for one another's dignity and well-being that we can enhance the quality of life for all Bangladeshis.
The path toward strengthening human rights in Bangladesh is both inspiring and fraught with challenges. Recent developments have underscored the perseverance of our people alongside the existing vulnerabilities within our human rights framework. It is now vital for both the government and citizens to collaborate in addressing these vulnerabilities.
Achieving meaningful progress will require unyielding dedication from citizens, civil society, and governmental entities alike, ensuring that the commitment to human rights evolves from a noble aspiration into a lived experience for every person. Together, through transparent practices and sustained commitment, we can cultivate a future in Bangladesh where human rights are respected and protected universally.
Zarrin Tasnim Mouri freelance contributor.
