In a stern challenge to the Bangladesh interim administration, Amnesty International has called for an immediate restoration of public trust through the unwavering upholding of human rights and the rule of law. In an open letter addressed to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the organisation’s Secretary General, Agnes Callamard, emphasised that the upcoming national elections represent a “litmus test” for the government’s commitment to democratic principles.
The letter, published on Wednesday via the London-based watchdog’s official website, arrives as the nation prepares for polls scheduled for 12 February 2026. Callamard argued that the authorities have a mandate under international law to protect fundamental freedoms—a duty she claims is currently being undermined by the persistent misuse of draconian legislation.
Systematic Suppression of the Press
A primary concern raised by Amnesty involves the continued application of the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA) against journalists and critics. The organisation highlighted several high-profile arrests that appear to be politically motivated rather than based on genuine security threats.
For instance, journalist Monjurul Alam (Panna) was detained in August 2025 under the ATA for allegedly “attempting to topple the interim government.” Similarly, in December, Anis Alamgir was apprehended for purportedly “spreading propaganda” in favour of the previous regime. Amnesty categorises these incidents as arbitrary arrests that infringe upon the rights to freedom of expression and association.
Failure to Protect Marginalised Communities
The letter also points to a broader failure in protecting the physical safety of citizens. Callamard cited the violence of 18 December 2025, sparked by the death of Sharif Osman bin Hadi, as a critical failure of state protection. During this period, the offices of The Daily Star and Prothom Alo were targeted by arsonists, and New Age editor Nurul Kabir was subjected to harassment.
Disturbingly, the letter also referenced the mob lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a Hindu man in Mymensingh, who was killed following allegations of blasphemy. Amnesty asserts that such lawlessness erodes faith in state institutions.
| Rights Category | Amnesty International’s Observations | Status |
| Freedom of Press | Journalists detained under the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA). | At Risk |
| Right to Life | Mob violence and failure to prevent extrajudicial killings. | Critical |
| Freedom of Assembly | Unlawful restrictions on public gatherings and debate. | Restricted |
| International Law | Non-compliance with the ICCPR framework. | Failing |
A Call for Leadership
“The coming weeks will be a final test of whether the interim government will honour its international obligations,” Callamard stated. She urged Professor Yunus to demonstrate “true leadership” by ensuring that citizens can participate in determining the country’s future without fear of reprisal.
Amnesty’s primary demand is the implementation of policies that safeguard the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Bangladesh is a signatory. This includes ensuring that no individual lives in fear for their life simply for expressing a peaceful opinion.