A prominent international human rights organisation has strongly condemned what it describes as a pattern of 'politically motivated' and 'arbitrary arrests' of minors in Bangladesh, with at least 187 children taken into custody over a six-month period under the newly formed Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government.

The findings were published on Monday, 5 October 2026, by Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), a Paris-based rights body, which documented the arrests between 1 April and 30 September 2026. According to the report, the children were allegedly detained for peacefully expressing political views associated with the Awami League.

Scale and Pattern of Arrests

The JMBF report reveals that May 2026 recorded the highest single-month toll, with 60 children arrested. The monthly breakdown shows 42 arrests in September, 38 in August, 32 in June, 9 in April, and 6 in July. The data suggests an escalating trend through the mid-year period before a partial easing in the later months.

Of the 187 documented cases, 74 children were reportedly arrested in connection with peaceful political processions or flash marches in support of the Awami League, while 57 were detained over alleged preparations for such activities. The remaining cases relate to other forms of political expression or association.

Anti-Terror Laws Applied Against Minors

A particularly alarming dimension flagged in the report is the application of Bangladesh's Anti-Terrorism Act in at least 127 of the 187 cases. The JMBF also noted use of the Special Powers Act, the Speedy Trial Act, and the Explosive Substances Act against children — measures it characterises as constituting 'serious human rights violations'.

Shahanur Islam, Founder President of JMBF, said in a statement: 'Children's political affiliation or peaceful expression of their views can never justify their arbitrary arrest or deprivation of liberty. The documented arrest of at least 187 children in six months, and the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act in the cases of 127 children, are deeply concerning. The State has a duty to ensure every child's safety, dignity, continuity of education, and access to justice.'

What JMBF Is Demanding

The rights body has called on the Bangladesh government to immediately end the arbitrary detention of children on grounds of political expression, affiliation, or participation in peaceful assemblies. It has urged a prompt review of all cases involving detained children, their release, and the withdrawal of what it calls politically motivated charges.

The JMBF statement further noted: 'The use of the Anti-Terrorism Act and other stringent special laws to criminalise children's peaceful political activities must also end. In all legal proceedings involving children, their age, best interests, and child-sensitive judicial procedures must receive the highest priority, and detention must be considered only as a measure of last resort.'

Broader Context

The arrests come amid a turbulent political transition in Bangladesh following the ouster of the Awami League government. Critics argue that the use of sweeping anti-terror legislation against minors reflects a broader pattern of political suppression under the new administration. Notably, the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act to juveniles — who are entitled to special protections under both Bangladeshi law and international conventions — raises acute questions about the government's compliance with its obligations under the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child.

With international pressure now building, the Bangladesh government's response — or silence — on the JMBF findings is likely to shape further scrutiny from global rights bodies in the weeks ahead.