Yunus government in Bangladesh slammed for suppressing Awami League

Dhaka: Human Rights Watch, a US-based advocacy group, has severely criticised Muhammad Yunus led interim government of Bangladesh for attempting to suppress the rights of supporters of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League party. The recent legislative initiatives by the interim government risk undermining fundamental freedoms, the rights body emphasised in a statement.

“On May 12, the interim government ordered a ‘temporary’ ban on the Awami League using newly introduced powers under a draconian amendment to the Anti-Terrorism Act. The ban includes, among other actions, meetings, publications, and online speech supporting the party,” said Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Wednesday.

“The ban on the Awami League will apply until party leaders have faced trial for abuses committed during their 15-year rule, a process that could last years, thus effectively proscribing the party. The interim government has prohibited all activities including any kind of publication, media, online and social media, any kind of campaign, procession, meeting, gathering, conference, etc. by the Bangladesh Awami League, curtailing supporters’ freedom of speech and association,” it further added. (IANS)

Also Read: Israeli army says killed Hezbollah weapons engineer in S. Lebanon

Also Watch: