March 12, 2026
Cc: Minister, Ministry of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Md Asaduzzaman;
Minister, Ministry of Home Affairs, Salahuddin Ahmed
Dear Prime Minister Tarique Rahman
We are writing following your recent election victory. As you have acknowledged, this is a time of opportunity to write a new chapter in your country’s history. Your actions will have a profound impact on the rights of people in Bangladesh for years to come.
We are writing on behalf of nine rights groups to draw your attention to some of the urgent human rights challenges facing Bangladesh. We welcome your pledges, and steps by the previous interim government, that would enhance human rights protections if they are implemented effectively. For instance, the commitment to investigate, prosecute and prevent enforced disappearances is a crucial step, although the families of at least 287 people that are still missing are awaiting answers. Various commissions set up by the interim government have made valuable recommendations that would help to achieve your promise to strengthen institutions. A strong and independent National Human Rights Commission is essential to investigate cases and prevent future abuses. Although many of the human rights violations that occurred under the Hasina administration have ended, ,others such as widespread arbitrary detentions persisted under the interim government. Freedom of expression, though somewhat improved, remained at risk with arrests and attacks on journalists and media houses. An uptick in mob violence challenged the rule of law, particularly placing minority communities at risk. The rights of women and girls need to be protected in an environment where religious groups wish to restrict their freedom. Security forces have continued their violations, such as assault or torture in the Chittagong Hill Tracts. We remain concerned about the fate of the Rohingya refugees who are crowded into settlements in Cox’s Bazaar and on Bhasan Char, without proper access to livelihood or education even as humanitarian assistance is dwindling.
We recognize that you are assuming office at a time of great challenges, with significant strategic, trade and economic pressures. The international situation is also especially challenging for human rights. Respect for the international rule of law is threatened, economic difficulties abound, and millions of people’s rights are threatened by climate change. While all governments must focus on issues at home, this is also a time for Bangladesh to play its part in promoting human rights not just at home but also abroad.
We urge you to use your time in office to create a legacy of positive change, including to support systematic reform and accountability. In particular, we want to draw your attention to the following issues and offer some recommendations. For ease of reference, a list of some of the laws and ordinances which most require amendment or repeal to protect human rights standards, as well as key ordinances issued by the interim government which strengthen rights and should be approved by parliament, is presented at the end.
We recognize that this may appear to be a long list of recommendations. However, these are important steps that are required to protect the rights of all people in Bangladesh.
We look forward to close partnership with your government to support these efforts.
- Amnesty International
- ARTICLE 19
- Committee to Protect Journalists
- CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation
- FIDH
- Fortify Rights
- Human Rights Watch
- Robert & Ethel Kennedy Human Rights Center
- Tech Global Institute