Is There a 550% Rise in Journalist Cases Under Yunus in Bangladesh?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Significant rise in cases against journalists in Bangladesh.
- Concerns over human rights violations by Yunus's interim government.
- Call for the withdrawal of fabricated legal cases.
- Experts demand immediate release of wrongfully detained journalists.
- Hope for future democratic elections with all-party participation.
Ottawa, Dec 11 (NationPress) A group of eminent global specialists have raised alarming alarms regarding the worsening human rights landscape in Bangladesh under the interim governance of Muhammad Yunus. They have pointed out a troubling uptick in abuses and the deployment of fabricated legal cases aimed at executing political retribution.
The Canada-based think tank, the Global Centre for Democratic Governance (GCDG), hosted a virtual seminar entitled 'Bangladesh in Crisis: Human Rights, Justice, and the Future of Democracy,' where these experts conveyed their insights.
The session was led by GCDG President Md. Habibe Millat, featuring speakers such as Raminder Singh Ranger, a member of the UK House of Lords; Michael Rubin, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute; and Charlotte Jacquemart, editor of Public Radio of Switzerland.
During the seminar, Charlotte Jacquemart underscored that a staggering 195 criminal cases were initiated against journalists between August 2024 and July 2025 under Yunus's interim leadership—a striking 550% increase from the previous year.
She also voiced her concerns regarding the harassment of 878 journalists during this timeframe, demanding the annulment of all fabricated charges against them and calling for the prompt release of those incarcerated.
Michael Rubin noted that Yunus seems to be overly fixated on his personal interests and revenge, neglecting the welfare of the nation.
In his address, Habibe Millat expressed deep concerns about human rights violations, the decline of law and order, and the absence of justice in Bangladesh.
He expressed optimism that the overall climate in the country could improve if a democratic government is elected through inclusive elections.
Simultaneously, Millat called for the immediate release of all individuals accused in politically motivated false cases and the termination of the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh.
Bangladesh continues to struggle with rampant human rights violations, assaults on minority groups, and a deteriorating law and order situation under the Yunus-led interim government, raising significant global alarm.