A human rights organization strongly criticized the arrest of 49 activists from the Chhatra League and Jubo League, youth wings of the Awami League, in Bangladesh’s Noakhali district. Among those detained were 17 children who participated in a peaceful rally, sparking concerns about a wider crackdown on dissenting voices in the country. The arrests were deemed a violation of fundamental rights such as freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association, as enshrined in Bangladesh’s Constitution and international human rights instruments.
Expressing dismay over the incident, Justice Makers Bangladesh in France highlighted that the arrests were part of a larger trend of suppressing individuals with differing political opinions nationwide. The detentions followed a peaceful protest by the Chhatra League in the Badharhat Market area of Noakhali Sadar Upazila on June 5. Subsequently, individuals, including minors, were apprehended by activists of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party student group and handed over to the police in Maijdee town.
Further actions by the police led to the detention of additional activists from both the Jubo League and Chhatra League in various areas of Noakhali Sadar Upazila. Shahanur Islam, Founder and President of Justice Makers Bangladesh in France, criticized the government for restricting freedom of expression and assembly without evidence of violence or threats to public safety. He particularly condemned the detention of minors, emphasizing that such actions violate international child rights standards.
Calling for the immediate release of all detainees, including the children, Justice Makers Bangladesh urged the Bangladeshi authorities to drop all charges against them. The organization demanded an unbiased investigation into the incident to ensure transparency and accountability in addressing the arrests.
