Amnesty urges rights guarantees ahead of polls

Bangladesh's interim government must restore public trust by guaranteeing full respect for human rights and the rule of law in the fortnight ahead of next month's national elections, Amnesty International's Secretary-General, Agnès Callamard, said in an open letter to Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, the country's acting leader.
The letter, sent ahead of the February 12 polls, raises concerns over the authorities' continued misuse of anti-terror legislation against journalists and their failure to adequately safeguard the rights to life, personal security, freedom of expression and freedom of association, an Amnesty International spokesperson said on Wednesday.
It calls on the interim government to "ensure that laws, policies, and practices fully protect" these rights in the lead-up to the elections.
"Bangladesh's interim government had a mandate to restore human rights, in line with the nation's obligations under international law. The coming weeks will be a decisive test of whether it will honour those responsibilities," said Ms Callamard.
"The authorities must uphold the rights of individuals and groups to speak freely, including during an election. Chief Adviser Yunus's government must show genuine leadership by ensuring that all Bangladeshis can participate fully and safely in deciding their country's future. They must ensure that the right to life is protected. No one should fear for their life for peacefully speaking their minds and sharing their views."
Despite Bangladesh being a signatory to many core international human rights instruments, the interim administration has failed to give effect to these obligations, Amnesty said.
This includes the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which enshrines the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and freedom of association that must be upheld, including during election periods. In the letter, Ms Callamard said: "Unlawful restrictions on these fundamental freedoms undermine public debate and participation in the electoral process, and weaken public trust in institutions."
Since assuming power in 2024, the interim authorities have misused the draconian Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against journalists and other perceived critics, the letter said.
It cited the cases of Monirul Alam Panna, who was arrested under the ATA in August 2025 for allegedly "attempting to overthrow the interim government", and Anis Alamgir, who was detained under the ATA in December 2025 for allegedly "spreading propaganda for the Awami League".