HRW Criticises Denial of Bail to Awami League Leaders, Activists
HRW Bangladesh Report
Human Rights Watch calls on Bangladesh to end arbitrary detention and bail denial of Awami League leaders, urging a probe into recent custodial deaths.
International human rights organisation Human Rights Watch has criticised the prolonged detention and denial of bail to Awami League leaders, activists and supporters. In a report published on August 23, the organisation said that those implicated in serious human rights violations must face trial.
However, it added, the prolonged detention of political opponents without evidence and due legal process should be stopped. The organisation also called for independent investigations into the deaths of several individuals while in custody.
The Human Rights Watch report said that after Sheikh Hasina was forced to step down as prime minister in August 2024, police arrested thousands of party workers and supporters. Hundreds of them are still in prison without any formal charges.
The report said that while some officials may have been involved in the Hasina government's serious human rights violations, many were arrested without evidence on charges of killing protesters. Many of the detainees are elderly, and some have serious health conditions. Their families and lawyers say they are being denied basic rights, including bail and medical care.
The UK-based organisation said that since Prime Minister Tarique Rahman took office in February 2026, at least 10 Awami League office-bearers—most of whom had no charges framed against them—have died in prison.
Elaine Pearson, Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, said: "Under one government after another, hundreds of opposition members have been locked up without evidence or due process. The government of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has pledged reform, and as a first step he should end the prolonged arbitrary detention of political opponents."
The report said that those detained without charge include former Awami League members of parliament, other former lawmakers who had supported Hasina's administration, and activists, officials and journalists who backed the Awami League government. Others, including members of the security forces, face allegations of serious international crimes such as extrajudicial killings, torture and disappearances. Some have also been accused of corruption.
The report further said that prosecutors have repeatedly opposed bail in cases where no evidence has been presented. Courts at the magistrates' and district levels have consistently refused bail. Government authorities have also filed fresh cases to circumvent High Court bail orders.
