What Are the International Human Rights Groups Saying About the Yunus Government's Attacks on Lawyers in Bangladesh?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
In a bold condemnation, global human rights organizations have united to criticize the ongoing politically charged attacks on lawyers in Bangladesh, led by Muhammad Yunus. This unprecedented crackdown raises serious concerns about the legal community's independence and freedom, echoing calls for urgent international intervention.
Key Takeaways
- International human rights groups are actively condemning the repression of lawyers in Bangladesh.
- The Yunus-led government is accused of politically motivated attacks against legal professionals.
- Reports indicate over 800 lawyers have faced persecution.
- There's a call for the immediate protection of lawyers' rights and independence.
- International bodies are urged to monitor the situation closely.
Dhaka, Nov 5 (NationPress) In a significant move, various global human rights organizations and bar councils have voiced strong opposition to the ongoing crackdown on the autonomy of lawyers in Bangladesh, condemning the persistent politically motivated suppression of the legal sector under the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.
A joint declaration from 15 human rights organizations and bar councils indicates that lawyers are being systematically targeted merely for fulfilling their professional roles and exercising their political opinions in the nation.
The statement referenced the France-based organization, Justicemakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), which has recorded 268 confirmed instances of persecution impacting 849 lawyers between August 2024 and September 2025 during the Yunus administration.
According to JMBF’s findings, 200 incidents involving 721 lawyers included false accusations of murder, attempted murder, sabotage, seditious conspiracy, extortion, and other offenses, aimed at criminalizing and silencing legal practitioners.
“The evidence points to a coordinated, politically driven initiative orchestrated by the Interim Government, led by former Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus, and its affiliates, specifically targeting lawyers for their political ties, professional duties, and organizational involvements. This initiative has severely undermined the independence of the legal profession, obstructed justice, and threatened the rule of law,” the statement emphasized.
“The repression is predominantly politically motivated, with a disproportionate impact on lawyers associated with the Bangladesh Awami League (BAL). JMBF reported 236 incidents with 795 victims, making up 88 percent of all cases and 93 percent of all victims across the country. These statistics highlight a deliberate attempt to neutralize pro-BAL lawyers and hinder justice,” it noted.
Concerned by the situation, the organizations denounced these politically driven and systematically targeted assaults on lawyers. They urged the Yunus-led interim administration to halt all forms of persecution against legal professionals in Bangladesh, to release all detained lawyers, and to withdraw all charges unconditionally.
Moreover, the groups called for the interim government to ensure the protection of lawyers from harassment, intimidation, and violence, to secure justice for persecuted lawyers, to prevent further persecution, and to create an environment that allows lawyers to perform their duties without fear or interference.
Additionally, the organizations appealed to the international community, including bar associations and human rights organizations such as the United Nations Human Rights Council, the European Parliament, and the European Commission, to closely observe the situation and offer support to lawyers facing threats in Bangladesh.
Point of View
It is crucial to understand that the legal profession's independence is a cornerstone of democracy. The ongoing repression of lawyers in Bangladesh under the Yunus government poses a significant threat to the rule of law and justice. The nation must prioritize the protection of legal professionals to ensure a fair and just legal system.
NationPress
26/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the condemnation from human rights organizations?
The condemnation arose from reports of systematic persecution of lawyers in Bangladesh, particularly under the Yunus-led interim government, which has targeted legal professionals for their political beliefs and duties.
What evidence supports claims of persecution?
Evidence includes a report by Justicemakers Bangladesh in France, documenting 268 verified incidents of persecution affecting 849 lawyers in Bangladesh.
What actions have been called for by the organizations?
The organizations have called for an immediate end to all forms of persecution against lawyers, the release of imprisoned lawyers, and the protection of legal professionals from harassment and violence.
