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Divisive Politics Stalls Human Rights Progress in Bangladesh

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  Published in Politics and Government on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 13:36 GMT by The Daily Star

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Divisive Politics Hinders Progress on Human Rights in Bangladesh

The Daily Star’s investigative piece, “Divisive politics hinders progress on human rights,” published on 27 April 2024, paints a stark picture of how the political climate in Bangladesh is stalling critical reforms and eroding the country’s human‑rights record. The article draws on a blend of first‑hand interviews, parliamentary records, court rulings, and international reports to argue that the entrenched rivalry between the ruling Bangladesh Awami League (AL) and the opposition Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has turned the nation into a “human‑rights time‑bomb,” where the most vulnerable are left in limbo.

1. A Politically‑Charged Environment

At the heart of the article is the observation that political polarization has become so intense that even basic civil liberties are being traded for short‑term electoral gains. When the piece opened, the author highlighted a recent incident in Dhaka where a small gathering of student activists was broken up by law enforcement, an event that the author described as “an emblematic illustration of how opposition voices are increasingly being silenced.” The story points out that the police force, under the current ministerial appointment, has been criticised by human‑rights NGOs for using disproportionate force against peaceful protestors. A link to a report by the Bangladesh Human Rights Commission underscores that police‑related violence has risen by 15 % over the past two years.

The article also cites a 2022 Supreme Court ruling that extended the “digital security” law to include a provision that criminalises “online defamation” against the government. While the court justified the law as a measure against cyber‑bullying, the article argues that the broad language gives authorities a pre‑text to detain journalists, bloggers and civil‑society activists who dare to question political leaders. The piece links to the official text of the law, as well as to a commentary by the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) that warns of a chilling effect on free speech.

2. Discrimination Against Minorities

The article moves on to discuss the plight of Bangladesh’s religious and ethnic minorities, especially the Hindu, Buddhist and Pahari communities. The Daily Star had earlier reported a series of arson attacks on temple properties in the Rangpur and Sylhet districts. In the new article, a human‑rights investigator from Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) reports that police have failed to secure witnesses or bring perpetrators to justice. The author points out that the political parties, both AL and BNP, have traditionally cast minorities as “outsiders” and have used communal rhetoric to consolidate support in key constituencies. The piece links to a recent UN Human Rights Office assessment that flags “persistent discrimination” against minorities in the country.

The article also brings up the case of the Rohingya refugees who have been allowed into Bangladesh over the past decade. It explains that the lack of a clear legal framework has left many Rohingya in a state of legal limbo. A link to a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report demonstrates that authorities have detained Rohingya men for suspected “security” reasons without due process.

3. Women’s Rights and Gender‑Based Violence

An important segment of the piece focuses on gender discrimination. The author quotes a lawyer from the Women’s Legal Aid & Advocacy Centre (WLAAC) who explains that although the constitution guarantees equality, in practice, women continue to face “pay disparities, workplace discrimination, and a hostile environment in the criminal justice system.” The article points to a 2023 report by the UN Women Bangladesh office that documents a 30 % rise in domestic‑violence complaints, with most cases going unresolved due to “politically motivated” delays.

The Daily Star also references a landmark Supreme Court decision that recognized “marital rape” as a crime. The article criticises the slow implementation of the ruling, noting that police training on gender‑sensitive policing is inadequate. A link to a UNICEF report indicates that the country is failing to meet its commitments under the Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly in terms of protecting girls from early marriage.

4. Institutional Weakness and the Role of Civil Society

The article then shifts to the failure of state institutions to act independently. The author quotes a senior judge of the High Court who says that political interference has made it “near impossible to enforce human‑rights laws.” He adds that “the judiciary has become a reluctant actor” when it comes to cases that touch on political figures. A link to the Bangladesh Judicial Service Commission’s annual report is used to support this claim, showing a significant decline in the appointment of judges with independent credentials over the last decade.

In addition, the piece praises the resilience of civil‑society organisations. It highlights the efforts of groups such as the Dhaka Law Society, which have filed multiple petitions against arbitrary detentions, and the Freedom of Expression (FLEX) group, which runs workshops on digital rights. The Daily Star provides a link to the FLEX website, where users can access training materials, legal bulletins and a database of human‑rights violations in the country.

5. International Repercussions

The article concludes by summarising the international community’s growing concern. The author refers to a statement made by the United Nations Human Rights Council at its annual session, where Bangladesh was called to “address systemic violations.” A link to the official UN press release allows readers to read the exact wording. Likewise, a brief note mentions the World Bank’s 2023 assessment, which highlights Bangladesh’s low score on the Human Development Index (HDI) regarding political rights and civil liberties. The piece ends with a call for “bipartisan leadership” that can prioritize reforms, strengthen institutions and build trust among citizens.

Bottom Line

In essence, “Divisive politics hinders progress on human rights” is not merely a critique; it is an analytical roadmap of how the polarised political arena in Bangladesh is affecting every layer of society. The article makes it clear that without a unified commitment to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of minorities, women and activists, Bangladesh risks slipping deeper into a cycle of repression and instability. By weaving together domestic evidence and international oversight—via the embedded links—The Daily Star offers a comprehensive snapshot that is both alarming and urgent.