The decision to ban the BCL, a 76-year-old pro-Awami League student organization, came in response to demands from a student movement against discrimination, following an ultimatum by the students to intensify their demonstrations if the BCL was not banned within the week. JMBF questions the legitimacy of a decision made under pressure from the protests and whether it genuinely serves the interests of justice or reflects an attempt to appease certain factions in a politically charged environment.
Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser of JMBF, remarked, “The abrupt ban on the BCL is a reminder of how political power can be used to target organizations perceived as opponents. Such actions, particularly when taken without a transparent and fair investigation, contradict the principles of human rights and democratic governance. We call upon the international community to scrutinize this move and ensure that it does not lead to further repression of political expression in Bangladesh.”
The government’s claims of BCL’s involvement in criminal and terrorist activities, as outlined in the gazette notification, must be thoroughly and impartially investigated under the direct supervision of the United Nations and international human rights organizations before resorting to extreme measures like proscription. It is crucial that such investigations adhere to the rule of law, ensuring accountability for all involved parties rather than resorting to sweeping actions that could curtail freedoms and political pluralism in the country.
Advocate Shahanur Islam, Bangladeshi human rights lawyer living in France and Founder President of JMBF, added, “The decision to ban BCL under the Anti-Terrorism Act without sufficient due process risks turning Bangladesh’s justice system into a tool for political gain rather than a means for genuine accountability. We demand that the government reconsider its approach and ensure that all measures taken adhere to national and international standards of justice and human rights.”
JMBF asserts that while we recognize the grievances of the student movement and the need to address any alleged acts of violence, banning an organization like the BCL without ensuring due process sets a dangerous precedent for democratic freedoms in Bangladesh. The use of the Anti-Terrorism Act to stifle political entities is alarming and undermines the principles of transparency and accountability that should guide such actions.
JMBF stands in solidarity with the principles of justice, accountability, and the rights to association, peaceful assembly, and freedom of expression for all. We urge the Bangladeshi government to uphold these values and ensure that any actions taken against political organizations or individuals are rooted in fairness and transparency, not political expediency.
Brief Incident Overview:
On October 23, 2024, the interim government of Bangladesh banned the Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL), citing demands from a student movement against discrimination. The ban was announced through a gazette notification, invoking the Anti-Terrorism Act-2009, thereby listing BCL as a proscribed entity under the act’s provisions.
The government justified its decision by presenting evidence that BCL had been involved in various conspiratorial, subversive, and terrorist activities against the state since the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024. The allegations included serious crimes such as murder, torture, and the oppression of resident students in dormitory rooms known as "gono rooms." The notification also mentioned that BCL had been involved in extortion, sexual harassment, and the misuse of power regarding dormitory room allocations over the years, particularly during the 15-year autocratic AL regime.
During the recent student movement, which began on July 15, 2024, BCL leaders and activists were accused of launching violent attacks against protesting students and the general public, resulting in the death of many students and endangering numerous lives. The interim government's decision came just a day after the protesting students issued an ultimatum, warning of escalated demonstrations if the ban was not imposed within the week.
Thank you,
No comments:
Post a Comment