The Bangladesh government is committed to ensuring human rights for all citizens and will not unjustly arrest, detain or imprison anyone based on political vendetta or political affiliation, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam said.
She emphasized that the policy applies to supporters of all political parties, including the Awami League, whose activities have been banned, as well as opposition parties.
Shama Obaed made the remarks when a journalist asked about a recent statement by Human Rights Watch.
The New York-based Human Rights Watch said on August 23 that Bangladeshi authorities should immediately take steps to end the prolonged pretrial detention of politicians and others linked to the deposed Awami League government.
In response, Shama Obaed said the government does not want a return to what she described as the “fascist era” and wants to ensure minimum human rights for every citizen.
Regarding cases filed following the July uprising, she said the government’s position is that allegations must be thoroughly reviewed and that legal action should be based on evidence rather than political considerations.
She said cases have been filed against people accused of killings, as well as those accused of ordering enforced disappearances and murders following the July uprising.
“Many cases were filed with great enthusiasm. But the Law Ministry will review those cases,” she said.
Shama Obaed added that if the cases are reviewed and no truth or basis is found, appropriate action will be taken in accordance with the law.
The Bangladesh government’s position is aimed at protecting citizens’ fundamental human rights regardless of their political background and ensuring that legal action is based on evidence rather than political considerations.
Ref: Human Rights Watch
