Following a period of widespread optimism post-mass uprising, hopes of resolving issues like extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, and human rights violations in Bangladesh have been dashed. Despite the establishment of a commission to investigate enforced disappearances by the interim government, incidents of extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, and mob violence have persisted, signaling a lack of substantial change.
Reports from human rights organization Odhikar reveal that within 14 months of the interim government’s tenure, 40 individuals fell victim to extrajudicial killings. Of these cases, 19 were fatal shootings, 14 resulted from torture, and seven were beaten to death, with allegations implicating various security forces. Notably, while efforts were made to investigate enforced disappearances, similar actions were not taken regarding extrajudicial killings and “crossfires.”
The continuation of such violations underlines the stagnant state of law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh, with mere personnel reshuffling failing to address systemic issues. Calls by the UN Human Rights Office to reform security forces, such as dissolving the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and redefining the roles of other entities, have been largely ignored, contributing to the ongoing rights infringements.
Despite the interim government’s verbal opposition to mob violence, actions have not aligned with this stance. Reports from human rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) indicate that between August 2024 and September 2025, 220 individuals lost their lives in mob-related incidents, often driven by personal interests. The lack of swift prosecution and low arrest rates have perpetuated a culture of impunity, as highlighted by an investigation by Prothom Alo into 46 incidents of mob violence.
Furthermore, the military’s crackdown on the Bawm ethnic community has persisted under the interim government, with restrictions and arrests affecting civilians disproportionately. Amnesty International reports that numerous Bawm individuals were arrested without charges during the previous government and continue to face hardships under the current administration, exemplifying systemic abuses and neglect.
The international community, including organizations like Human Rights Watch (HRW) and Reporters Without Borders (RSF), has condemned the interim government for its crackdown on dissent, arbitrary arrests, and custodial deaths. Recent incidents, such as the detention of journalists and activists, highlight the authoritarian tendencies prevailing within law enforcement agencies, raising concerns about deteriorating civil liberties.
As the interim government’s term nears its end with elections on the horizon, the failure to address extrajudicial killings, rights abuses, and arbitrary detentions underscores a troubling continuity. Whether significant improvements will materialize in the remaining months remains uncertain, leaving the future of human rights in Bangladesh in question.