The United Nations’ Human Rights Committee and the Committee against Torture (CAT) have expressed deep concern over the dilapidated state of Bangladesh’s human rights framework in their latest report. In findings released after a special session held in Geneva, the international body strongly commented on the custodial torture and harassment of human rights defenders by Bangladeshi security forces. The UN categorically stated that despite Bangladesh having the “Torture and Death in Custody (Prevention) Act,” its implementation is negligible and security agencies are operating without accountability. The report noted that the targeting of opposition leaders and journalists by police and other paramilitary forces poses a major threat to democracy.
The United Nations has specifically questioned the functioning of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and other intelligence agencies. International experts claim that Bangladesh is witnessing a steady increase in cases of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings, which are a blatant violation of international human rights treaties. The committee has also stressed that the system systematically blocks the legal aid that victims need to seek justice. The UN human rights chief has urged the government to implement comprehensive reforms within the security forces and ensure independent and transparent investigations into allegations of torture.
Following this global criticism, international pressure on the Bangladeshi government has increased. While Dhaka has dismissed these allegations as “biased and politically motivated,” the United Nations has warned that if the situation does not improve, it could impact Bangladesh’s participation in international aid and peacekeeping operations. The report also suggests that Bangladesh should grant more powers to an independent National Human Rights Commission so that it can operate without government pressure. In the long run, the report could also impact Bangladesh’s diplomatic relations with countries like the European Union and the United States, which make human rights a cornerstone of trade agreements.