Oct. 10 (EUROPA PRESS) –
The NGO Human Right Watch (HRW) has shown this Monday its disapproval of the escalation of the repression of the Bangladesh authorities against opposition groups, in the framework of the country’s general elections called for 2023.
“Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has repeatedly said that Bangladesh is a mature democracy capable of holding elections and a peaceful transition of power, but previous elections have been marked by violence, attacks on the opposition and intimidation of voters,” said HRW director for South Asia, Meenakshi Ganguly.
“These recent cases of political attacks and arrests set an ominous tone for the upcoming parliamentary elections,” added Ganguly.
Thus, HRW urges the country’s authorities to respect the rule of law and protect the right of opposition supporters to freedom of association and peaceful assembly. “The State must allow an assembly to take place” and protect the participants, in the event that a “hostile reaction” against supporters may occur.
Reports have reported at least four people dead and hundreds injured after police clashes with supporters of two of the opposition parties, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), and the Awami League, as part of the protests over the price of fuel and basic goods.
“There are worrying reports about the murder of BNP activists during recent clashes,” reads the NGO statement, which ensures that “each side” accuses the opposite of instigating the violence.” “Although the Police have carried out mass arrests against the opponents, those affiliated with the ruling party seem to have impunity against violent attacks,” says the letter.
With these data, HRW has urged the prime minister and the leaders of the opposition parties to condemn the political violence. He has also asked the followers of both parties to respect the right of citizens to meet and run for public office, within the framework of International Law and Human Rights.
On the other hand, Ganguly has singled out diplomats in Bangladesh to express “public and private concern” about such repression in the face of conditions for free and fair elections.”
