Crackdown on satire is an attack on free expression, says ARTICLE 19
ARTICLE 19, an international human rights organisation, has strongly condemned the filing of a criminal case against 18 individuals, the satirical platform Earki, and at least 15 Facebook pages over allegations of “cyber harassment.”
Human Rights Violations Continue to Surge Across Bangladesh
Human rights violations continue to surge across Bangladesh, with rising cases of political violence, child abuse, custodial deaths, violence against women, minority attacks, and journalist harassment, according to ASK and HRSS reports. Experts warn that unless human rights are upheld universally beyond political perspectives, instability will persist.
Rising Human Rights Concerns in Bangladesh Ahead of International Human Rights Day
On the eve of International Human Rights Day, rights organizations and monitoring groups have raised alarm over the worsening human-rights situation in Bangladesh. Recent reports indicate a notable increase in extrajudicial killings, custodial deaths, political violence, and harassment of journalists over the past several months.
CPJ Letter Urges Muhammad Yunus to Secure Release of Imprisoned Journalists
The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) has urged Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Adviser of Bangladesh’s interim government, to take steps to secure the release of imprisoned journalists in the country. The nonprofit international organization working to protect journalists’ rights made the appeal in a letter addressed to Muhammad Yunus. The letter has been published on the CPJ website.
Key Regions Freed as Pakistani Forces Collapse in December 1971
A concise overview of the decisive final phase of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War, highlighting key Mukti Bahini victories, Pakistani retreats, guerrilla operations, and growing international pressure that accelerated the path to independence.
Human Rights Concerns Intensify Over Disappearance of Cultural Activist Sagar
Television drama director and a well-known figure in the cultural sphere, S M Kamruzzaman Sagar, has been missing for five days. His family, colleagues, and cultural organizations have expressed deep concern over the incident. No official explanation regarding his whereabouts has been received yet.
Railway Fares in the Eastern Zone to Increase from December 20
The Eastern Railway authorities are increasing fares for all passenger trains from December 20. As a result, the highest fare is increasing by more than 200 taka.
A Vision of Non-Communal, Humane and Scientific Society
Today marks the 146th birth anniversary of Begum Rokeya Sakhawat Hossain (1880–1932), a pioneer of women’s awakening, an educationist, and a writer. The imagination of a non-communal, inclusive, and science-minded society that she presented a century ago remains equally relevant today.
Journalist Assaulted and Arrested in Late-Night Police Raid
Police in Tangail’s Kalihati upazila have been accused of breaking into a journalist’s home in the middle of the night, assaulting him, and arresting him in a false case following the publication of a news report. On Sunday (7 December) afternoon, journalist Jahangir Alam was sent to jail through the court.
TIB urges amendment to draft NHRC Ordinance 2025
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has urged the government to urgently revise the draft National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Ordinance 2025, recently approved by the Advisory Council, warning that several provisions could create a discriminatory structure and weaken the commission’s independence and functional capacity.