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Pakistan’s Shrinking Civil Liberties and Human Rights Abuses
March 31, 2025
Geneva, Switzerland, March 27, 2025:
A Conference/ side event titled “Human Rights Violations and Rise of Islamic Terrorism in Bangladesh” was organised by Tumuku Development and Cultural Union (TACUDU) on March 26, 2025, during the 58th Session of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.The event was chaired by Mr Fazal-ur Rehman Afridi, an Activist and Human Rights Defender, who serves as the Principal Representative at TACUDU. The panel featured speakers such as Mr Paul Bristow (Former Conservative MP from the UK), Ms Sahar Zand (British-Iranian television and radio presenter), Dr Rayhan Rashid (Advocate and Legal Consultant at Oxford Matrix), and Priyajit Debsarkar (Geopolitical Analyst).The primary aim of the event was to draw international attention to the deterioration of law and order, violations of human rights, the persecution of minorities, and the surge of Islamic extremism in Bangladesh led by the interim rule of Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus.In her remarks at the event, Ms Sahar Zand stated, “The situation in Bangladesh is truly alarming, and my visit has made me even more fearful, as the international media is not covering what is occurring in the country. It seems like the world is turning a blind eye, but we should focus on Bangladesh now because, from my perspective, it is on the brink of becoming another Afghanistan, Iraq, Iran, or other nations that have experienced significant upheavals.””Minorities are experiencing assaults in Bangladesh, and this is a pivotal moment for global awareness. At this very time, it appears that the world is ignoring the situation, and local journalists are also failing to report on the developments,” she added.Dr Rayhan Rashid stated, “I demand an independent and impartial investigation into the events that have unfolded in Bangladesh, both historically and currently. I seek a comprehensive internal inquiry and assessment of the OHCHR report, focusing on its processes, how its conclusions were formulated, and its networks of influence.”Priyajit Debsarkar remarked, “We cannot risk witnessing another genocide that could happen at any moment in Bangladesh, especially since after August 5th, tensions have escalated, making it increasingly perilous for all those who advocate for liberation values, rooted in the spirit of the 1971 War of Liberation.” “It poses a threat not just to them but also to the wider community beyond Bangladesh. We must come together to combat these fascist elements,” he asserted.
Fazal ur Rehman Afridi delivered a scathing critique of Bangladesh’s deteriorating human rights situation due to the rise of Islamic extremism in the country in recent times.
In his opening remarks Afridi warned of a “meteoric rise” in extremist forces over the past seven months, stating, “This side event is an effort to shed light on the least discussed but alarming rise of exterminists who are enjoying free rein in Bangladesh and have vowed to destroy pluralism, leaving a devastating imprint on the lives of millions who believe in tolerance and pluralism.”
Afridi painted a grim picture of the country’s security and judicial systems, asserting that the security culture of the country has come under siege under the new interim regime led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, noting authorities being silent against rights abusers.
Global experts warn of rising human rights violations in Bangladesh at UNHRC side event
Read more At:
https://www.aninews.in/news/world/europe/global-experts-warn-of-rising-human-rights-violations-in-bangladesh-at-unhrc-side-event20250327123041/
