US-based advocacy group Human Rights Watch criticized Bangladesh for arresting four individuals who posted social media content critical of the government. The group urged the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) to respect freedom of expression and stop misusing laws to suppress dissent. HRW emphasized the need for reforms to protect human rights in the country.
The recent arrest of content creator A M Hasan Nasim for sharing a cartoon mocking a ruling party lawmaker sparked controversy. Nasim was taken into custody following a complaint by a ruling party activist under the country’s cybersecurity ordinance. Despite being granted bail, the arrest raised concerns about freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
HRW called for the replacement of laws like the Cyber Security Ordinance and the Anti-Terrorism Act with legislation that respects rights. The group also highlighted the importance of police reform to ensure independence from political influence. HRW stressed the need for the government to safeguard freedom of expression and reform institutions to protect citizens’ rights.
