Press Freedom, Political Violence, Arbitrary Detention, Women’s Rights and Child Protection
Published by: Victim Support International – UK (VSIUK)
President: Dr. Azizul Ambya
General Secretary: Md. Masum Billah
Publication Date: June 2026
Executive Summary
Victim Support International – UK (VSIUK) expresses deep concern regarding the human rights situation in Bangladesh during the period 2024–2026.
This period witnessed significant political unrest, allegations of excessive use of force, attacks on journalists, arbitrary detention, restrictions on freedom of expression, and continued violence against women and children.
In February 2025, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) released a comprehensive fact-finding report concerning the July–August 2024 protests in Bangladesh. Based on more than 250 interviews and extensive supporting evidence, the report estimated that up to 1,400 people may have been killed between 1 July and 15 August 2024, while thousands more were injured.
The report further stated that there were reasonable grounds to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings, torture, arbitrary detention, and possible crimes against humanity committed during the protest crackdown.
Political Violence and Human Rights Abuses
According to findings published by OHCHR, security forces and associated actors were allegedly involved in widespread and systematic repression of anti-government protests throughout 2024.
The United Nations report identified reasonable grounds to believe that hundreds of extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, torture, and ill-treatment occurred during the protest period.
Notably, OHCHR estimated that approximately 12–13 percent of those killed were children, highlighting the devastating impact of political violence on vulnerable populations.
VSIUK supports calls for independent investigations and accountability mechanisms to address serious human rights violations.
Press Freedom and Attacks on Journalists
Bangladesh experienced a concerning decline in media freedom and journalist safety during 2024.
According to Reporters Without Borders (RSF), Bangladesh ranked among the four deadliest countries in the world for journalists during the year, with five journalist deaths documented.
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) reported that at least three journalists were killed while covering the July 2024 protests and called for independent investigations into those deaths.
CPJ also documented the imprisonment of four journalists during 2024, while numerous others reportedly faced criminal investigations, legal pressure, and professional restrictions.
Additional concerns were raised regarding the revocation of journalist accreditation cards and allegations of continued harassment of media professionals.
Arbitrary Detention and Rule of Law
International human rights organizations documented allegations of mass arrests during the political unrest.
Amnesty International reported that thousands of protesters, students, political activists, and ordinary citizens were detained during the 2024 crisis.
Human rights groups highlighted concerns regarding:
- Arbitrary arrests
- Prolonged detention
- Lack of due process
- Politically motivated prosecutions
- Torture and ill-treatment
Victim Support International UK believes that judicial independence, due process, and equal protection under the law are essential for restoring public confidence in state institutions.
Women’s Rights
Violence against women remains one of the most serious human rights challenges facing Bangladesh.
UN-supported research released in 2025 indicated that approximately 70 percent of women in Bangladesh have experienced some form of intimate partner violence during their lifetime.
Women’s rights organizations continue to document cases involving:
- Domestic violence
- Sexual violence
- Workplace harassment
- Gender discrimination
- Limited access to justice
VSIUK calls for stronger legal protections, expanded survivor support services, and effective prosecution of offenders.
Child Rights and Protection
Children were among the victims of the 2024 political violence.
According to OHCHR findings, children represented approximately 12–13 percent of those killed during the protest crackdown.
Child rights organizations in Bangladesh continue to report concerns related to:
- Child abuse
- Child labour
- Child trafficking
- Sexual violence against children
- Exposure to political violence
Protecting children from violence, exploitation, and abuse must remain a national priority.
Corruption, Governance and Accountability
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has repeatedly expressed concerns regarding governance deficits, corruption risks, institutional accountability, and transparency challenges.
Strengthening anti-corruption institutions, enhancing judicial independence, and ensuring accountability across public institutions remain essential for democratic development and the protection of human rights.
Recommendations
Victim Support International UK respectfully calls upon the Government of Bangladesh to:
1. Investigate Unlawful Killings
Establish independent and impartial investigations into all alleged unlawful killings and serious human rights violations.
2. Protect Journalists
Ensure accountability for attacks against journalists and safeguard media professionals from violence and intimidation.
3. Uphold Freedom of Expression
Protect freedom of speech, media independence, and the rights of citizens to peacefully express their views.
4. End Arbitrary Arrests
Prevent arbitrary detention and politically motivated prosecutions while ensuring due process rights.
5. Strengthen Protection for Women and Children
Expand legal protections, support services, and prevention measures for women and children.
6. Cooperate with International Mechanisms
Fully cooperate with United Nations human rights mechanisms and independent investigations.
7. Ensure Judicial Independence
Guarantee fair trial rights, judicial independence, and equal access to justice.
8. Promote Transparency and Accountability
Strengthen anti-corruption frameworks and public sector accountability mechanisms.
Conclusion
Findings published by international human rights organizations indicate that Bangladesh continues to face significant challenges relating to accountability, democratic governance, freedom of expression, and the protection of fundamental rights.
Victim Support International UK urges national authorities, political actors, civil society organizations, and the international community to work collaboratively to promote justice, accountability, and respect for human dignity.
Only through transparent institutions, respect for human rights, and adherence to the rule of law can sustainable democratic progress be achieved.
Dr. Azizul Ambya
President
Victim Support International – UK (VSIUK)
Md. Masum Billah
General Secretary
Victim Support International – UK (VSIUK)
Website: www.vsiuk.org
