The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has called on Bangladesh's interim government to withdraw cases filed against journalists, lawyers, trade unionists, civil society activists, and human rights defenders during the previous Awami League administration.

In a recent report, the UN body emphasized the need to uphold freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, urging the government to drop all pending criminal cases against these individuals. The OHCHR report, titled "Human Rights Violations and Abuses Related to Protests in Bangladesh in July and August 2024," was released on February 12 from its Geneva office.

The report also called on Bangladeshi authorities to immediately halt any illegal surveillance by security forces targeting journalists, political supporters, trade unionists, civil society members, and human rights defenders. It further recommended measures to protect these individuals from retaliatory violence and to investigate and prosecute those responsible for attacks on personal property and civilian harm.

The OHCHR proposed an independent inquiry into state surveillance practices and urged the government to ensure that security agencies strictly comply with international human rights obligations. It also recommended shutting down the National Telecommunication Monitoring Center and amending vague provisions in the Telecommunication Regulation Act that have been used to justify unchecked surveillance.

Additionally, the report called for suspending internet shutdowns and blocking specific websites or applications unless they meet clear, transparent criteria and are subject to judicial oversight. The OHCHR also advised amending the 2009 National Human Rights Commission Act to align it with the Paris Principles, ensuring the commission's independence and public trust.

The report stressed the importance of appointing independent members to the commission through a transparent and participatory process involving all relevant stakeholders, including civil society. It highlighted the need for the commission to investigate complaints against military, police, paramilitary, and intelligence agencies and to be provided with adequate financial and human resources to function effectively.

Furthermore, the OHCHR recommended an immediate moratorium on arrests, investigations, or prosecutions under laws such as the Cyber Security Act 2023, Official Secrets Act, Anti-Terrorism Act, and defamation provisions of the Penal Code, which are often used to suppress critical media reporting and political dissent.

Source: BSS