The political landscape of Bangladesh under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has been marked by significant economic growth, infrastructural development, and international recognition. However, behind these achievements lies a more troubling narrative, an alarming pattern of human rights violations that have tarnished her government’s legacy. Critics, both within and outside Bangladesh, claim that the current regime has stifled dissent, suppressed freedom of speech, and utilized authoritarian tactics to maintain control. This article delves into the scope and nature of these alleged human rights violations during Sheikh Hasina’s rule.

Freedom of Speech and the Media:

One of the most serious allegations against Sheikh Hasina’s administration is the systematic repression of free speech. The government has been accused of using draconian laws, such as the Digital Security Act (DSA) of 2018, to silence critics, journalists, and opposition figures. The DSA, which ostensibly aims to curb cybercrime, has been widely criticized for its broad and vague definitions of “offenses” that could lead to imprisonment for even mild criticism of the government.

Journalists have often found themselves at the receiving end of these laws. Shafiqul Islam Kajol, a photojournalist, was reported missing for 53 days after being charged under the DSA in 2020. His case is emblematic of the growing fear among media professionals in Bangladesh. Many journalists have resorted to self-censorship to avoid government reprisal, fearing harassment, intimidation, or worse.

International organizations, such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have condemned the restrictions on the media in Bangladesh. Freedom House, in its 2022 report, rated Bangladesh as “Partly Free,” citing the increasing use of force against journalists, bloggers, and civil society groups.

Perhaps the most chilling aspect of Sheikh Hasina’s government has been the growing number of “enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings”. The infamous “Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)”, an elite paramilitary force, has been implicated in many of these cases. According to reports from human rights organizations, hundreds of political activists, opposition figures, and ordinary citizens have disappeared without a trace, with many feared dead.

A high-profile case is that of “Ilias Ali”, a prominent opposition 99(999৯ politician from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), who disappeared in 2012. His whereabouts remain unknown, and the government has consistently denied any involvement, despite growing evidence that security forces may have been responsible.

The “extrajudicial killings” are often masked as encounters with criminals, particularly during so-called anti-drug operations. The 2018 anti-drug campaign led to over 100 deaths within months, sparking outrage both domestically and internationally. Human Rights Watch, in its 2020 report, stated that “security forces have used these campaigns as cover for killing political opponents and critics.”

Sheikh Hasina’s regime has faced allegations of systematically weakening the political opposition, particularly the “Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)”, which has long been her primary political rival. Opposition leaders have faced imprisonment, politically motivated charges, and harassment. The BNP’s leader, “Khaleda Zia”, was imprisoned in 2018 on corruption charges that many argue were politically motivated. While corruption is indeed a significant issue in Bangladesh, the timing and handling of her case raised questions about whether the ruling party sought to eliminate a major political threat.

The “2018 general election”, which resulted in a sweeping victory for Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League, was marred by allegations of widespread voter fraud, ballot stuffin and violence. “Election observers” from the European Union and other international bodies expressed concerns over the fairness of the election process, stating that it lacked the conditions necessary for a free and fair vote.

“Targeting of Minority Groups”:

Under Sheikh Hasina’s rule, the government has also been accused of failing to protect the rights of “minority communities**, particularly the Rohingya refugees and the “Hindu minority” in Bangladesh. While Sheikh Hasina has been internationally praised for providing refuge to nearly one million Rohingya fleeing persecution in Myanmar, the situation for minorities within the country remains precarious.

In recent years, there have been numerous incidents of “violence against the Hindu community”, including attacks on temples, homes, and businesses. Critics argue that the government has been slow to respond to these incidents and has done little to prevent future attacks. Some human rights activists claim that the lack of swift justice for such incidents emboldens further attacks on minority groups.

“International Criticism”:

Sheikh Hasina’s government has faced “international criticism” for its human rights record. The United States, the United Nations, and the European Union have all expressed concern over the shrinking space for civil liberties and political opposition in Bangladesh. In December 2021, the U.S. imposed sanctions on several top officials of the Rapid Action Battalion for their involvement in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances, a move that sent shockwaves through the political establishment in Dhaka.

Despite this criticism, Sheikh Hasina’s government has largely dismissed these concerns, often framing them as part of a broader international conspiracy to undermine her leadership. The government has also consistently denied involvement in human rights abuses, instead attributing any incidents of violence to rogue elements within the security forces.

Conclusion:

While Sheikh Hasina’s tenure has brought undeniable economic and infrastructural progress to Bangladesh, it has also coincided with a significant deterioration in the country’s human rights situation. The erosion of free speech, the targeting of political opponents, the use of security forces for extrajudicial killings, and the failure to protect minority communities paint a grim picture of a government more interested in consolidating power than upholding democratic values and human rights.

The international community, civil society, and the Bangladeshi people must continue to hold the government accountable, ensuring that economic progress is not achieved at the cost of fundamental human rights.