Quickpost | Dhaka
Open Letter to Muhammad Yunus
Ahead of Bangladesh’s upcoming national election, Amnesty International has called on interim government chief adviser Muhammad Yunus to make clear and firm commitments to safeguard human rights throughout the electoral period.
In an open letter released on Tuesday, the international rights group warned that the country’s political transition must not become an opportunity for renewed repression. Amnesty stressed the need to protect freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and the right to organise, noting that risks of election-related violence, arbitrary arrests and the silencing of dissent remain.
“This interim period must not amount to change in name only,” the letter said, adding that responsibility now lies with the interim leadership to ensure meaningful protection of rights.
Background
After former prime minister Sheikh Hasina was removed from power in August 2024, Nobel laureate economist Muhammad Yunus assumed the role of chief adviser to the interim government. He has pledged to hold a national election by late 2025 or early 2026.
However, continuing political instability, student-led protests and clashes involving security forces have complicated the transition. Amnesty noted that at least 10 people were killed in election-related violence in December 2025, underscoring the fragility of the situation.
Amnesty’s Key Demands
In the letter, Amnesty International outlined several urgent demands:
- An end to arbitrary arrests and harassment
- Independent investigations into alleged human rights violations
- An immediate halt to digital surveillance targeting journalists and rights defenders
- Accountability of security forces during the election period
Amnesty’s South Asia director said Dr Yunus has a historic opportunity to dismantle a culture of impunity. “If protections are ensured now, public trust in the election process can be restored,” he said.
Government Response
A spokesperson for Dr Yunus’s office said the interim government remains committed to holding a “free, fair and peaceful election” under international scrutiny. No detailed response was given to Amnesty’s specific demands.
Political analysts say Yunus faces mounting pressure from student and civic movements, while also navigating complex negotiations with the BNP and other political forces.
What’s at Stake
As election day approaches, Amnesty’s intervention brings a central question to the fore: will Bangladesh’s transition finally prioritise human rights and democratic norms, or will the country repeat the mistakes of the past?
