Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming 13th National Parliamentary Election and referendum, Amnesty International has called on Chief Adviser of the interim government Dr Muhammad Yunus to ensure human rights and the rule of law. Urging the interim government to restore public trust, the organisation’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, sent an open letter to the Chief Adviser. The international human rights organisation published the letter on its website on Wednesday (29 January).
In the letter, sent in the lead-up to the 12 February election, Amnesty International expressed deep concern over the misuse of the Anti-Terrorism Act against journalists, as well as the lack of protection for freedom of expression and the right to peaceful assembly.
At the same time, the organisation called for ensuring citizens’ right to life and personal security. The letter stated that the coming weeks will be a critical test for the interim government in fulfilling its responsibility to restore human rights under international law. It urged the authorities to effectively apply laws and policies to guarantee citizens’ unhindered freedom of expression and participation, even during the election period. To ensure that citizens can participate fully and without fear in shaping Bangladesh’s future, the government of Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus must demonstrate genuine leadership, the letter said.
Amnesty alleged that since assuming office in 2024, the interim authorities have misused the stringent Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) to suppress journalists and critics. As an example, the letter mentioned journalist Manzurul Alam Panna, who was arrested in August 2025 on charges of “attempting to overthrow the interim government.” In addition, journalist Anis Alamgir was detained in December on allegations of spreading propaganda in favour of the Awami League.
According to the organisation, the arbitrary arrests of these two journalists constitute clear violations of their rights to freedom of expression and association.
The letter further stated that the authorities’ inadequate response to prevent violence following the killing of Sharif Osman bin Hadi on 18 December was also a matter of serious concern. In particular, on that night, the offices of Prothom Alo and The Daily Star were set on fire, and New Age editor Nurul Kabir was harassed.
It also noted that on the same day, a Hindu man named Dipu Chandra Das was beaten to death by a mob in Bhaluka, Mymensingh, following allegations of blasphemy.
Meanwhile, ahead of the election, Amnesty International has published a human rights charter outlining the steps needed to protect human rights. The charter states that ensuring human rights is now an urgent necessity to make the election free, fair, and credible.
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