Bangladesh vows no political imprisonment over HRW report

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid addressed journalists at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Tuesday, 25 August, making significant remarks regarding the current administration's stance on human rights and detentions. Her address came in direct response to a recently published report by Human Rights Watch (HRW), which called for an immediate end to the indefinite pre-trial detention of political opponents in Bangladesh.

During her briefing at the ministry, Shama Obaid stated that the government will ensure no one is unjustly imprisoned due to political vengeance. Elaborating on this commitment, she emphasized that regardless of political affiliation—whether it is an opposition party, the Awami League, or any other group—the current administration will guarantee that nobody remains wrongfully held in jail due to political retaliation.

Reflecting on historical human rights abuses in the country, the State Minister noted that over the past seventeen years, Bangladesh has witnessed human rights violations on a scale unprecedented in the nation's history. She pointed out that the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and its members and activists were the largest victims of these abuses. Consequently, she affirmed that they never want the past fascist era to return, either currently or in the future, and emphasized a desire to ensure minimum human rights and protect the rights of every citizen.

Addressing the current legal landscape following recent national events, Shama Obaid noted the remarks made by the Law Ministry regarding ongoing litigation. She mentioned that the Law Ministry has stated it will review cases filed following the July-August uprising to check for basis or truth, noting that numerous cases have been registered in the aftermath of that uprising and the events that took place during those months.

Concluding her remarks to journalists, the State Minister clarified the nature of the legal actions currently underway. She explained that while many of the cases filed were legally warranted, specifically targeting those involved in killings and individuals who issued orders for enforced disappearances and murders, the government's overarching position remains steadfast. She reiterated that the administration is committed to protecting human rights, remains accountable to the people, and will ensure that no opposition party, the Awami League, or any other group faces unjust imprisonment stemming from political vengeance.