Ahead of the national elections on January 7, 6 organizations of the world working on human rights issued a joint statement expressing deep concern about the human rights situation and narrowing of the civil sphere in Bangladesh. The matter of that statement was discussed in the press briefing of the United Nations.

On Tuesday (December 12, local time), a journalist wanted to know about that statement in the regular press briefing of the United Nations, ‘Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights and 6 top human rights organizations including the International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances have called on the international community to stand by the people of Bangladesh in the protection of basic human rights. What kind of initiatives are taking in the United Nations to protect basic human rights and voting rights in Bangladesh?

In response, spokesperson Dozeric said, “We are continuously engaged with all parties on this issue and have repeatedly called for a free and fair election on behalf of the United Nations.” We want to see a situation where all Bangladeshis can participate in the voting process without any intimidation and hindrance.

Earlier Tuesday (December 12) Robert A. Kennedy Human Rights (RFKHR), Capital Punishment Justice Project (CPJP), The United Against Torture Consortium (UATC), Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), Anti-Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN) and International Coalition Against Enforced Disappearances (ICAED). ) joint statement published on the website.

In the statement, they have expressed deep concern that the human rights situation and the space of civil society have narrowed as Bangladesh moves towards the national elections on January 7.

In the statement they highlighted 4 recommendations to Bangladesh and the international community. It called for ensuring the protection of human rights and citizens of Bangladesh. The recommendations are:

1. Violence against protesters must stop immediately. Freedom of expression, freedom of peaceful assembly, freedom of self and personal integrity must be respected and protected.
2. All politically motivated cases must be withdrawn immediately and unconditionally. Arbitrarily detained rights activists and opposition party members should be released. Ensure fair and transparent judicial process.
3. There must be a full and impartial investigation into the gross human rights violations. This will include allegations of death and torture.
4. The draft data protection law needs to be reassessed and revised in line with international standards. Citizens’ personal privacy and rights must be protected.