Rubence

#Bangladesh: Academics Targeted for Supporting #SheikhHasina, @hrw statement (3 Nov, 2026, London). Scores of academics and students at public universities in Bangladesh have been arbitrarily punished because of their alleged affiliation with former ruler Sheikh Hasina and her #AwamiLeague party, Human Rights Watch said in a statement yesterday. The statement states: “Any action to punish persons for their peaceful beliefs or without ensuring due process would violate the rights to freedom of expression and association protected under international human rights law and reproduce abusive attempts under previous administrations to control political opinion and expression at Bangladesh’s public universities”. The sanctions—dismissals, suspension, and teaching restrictions—focus on allegations that they were complicit in violence by Hasina’s Awami League government, allegations of other “subversive” activities in support of her party, or their alleged discrimination against students wearing Islamic clothing. Hundreds of students, allegedly Awami League members and supporters, are also being expelled, denying them their education rights. Human Rights Watch interviewed over a dozen affected teachers, examined university correspondence, and reviewed and analyzed a televised discussion and a video posted on social media. Interviews with teachers and students also confirmed expulsions, cancellation of exam certificates, or barring students from campus. According to media reports in August 2026, at least 404 more academics at 22 universities, who were part of a pro-Awami League Telegram messaging app group, have been put under investigation.  “What is happening now is that the university authorities are targeting with false allegations the group of teachers who are aligned to the Awami League and did not support the 2024 student movement,” said a professor at a public university, who is not identified for security reasons. “We are not allowed to go take classes, we cannot do research work, we cannot do anything.” …In all, over 20 public universities have been affected, Human Rights Watch found. In March 2025, Dhaka University temporarily suspended 126 students, and withheld their exam certificates, after a fact-finding committee said it had found photographic, video, or social media evidence that they had attacked peaceful protesters. Cases filed with the police allege that another 277 Awami League students were involved. The university authorities have taken no formal action against them, but students and teachers confirmed that they stay away from campus for fear of arrest. Many of those named deny any role in the violence, yet the university has not provided a forum for them to answer the allegations. “Any acts of revenge against people who peacefully supported the previous government would show that freedoms of speech and assembly are not protected,” said @meeganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “Universities should be places where people are free to express their views, not places where support is enforced for the government of the day.” Full Statement: hrw.org/news/2026/11/03/bang… … @OHCHRAsia @UNHumanRights @UNSR_Education @hrw @StateDRL @Shabia_M @ESandersFCDO @amnestysasia

At least 135 arrests and detentions reported across #Bangladesh in connection with ongoing #RMG #workers’ #protests , as of 3 November 2026. At least 135–138 arrests and detentions have been reported across Bangladesh amid ongoing protests by ready-made garment (RMG) workers demanding fairer wages, better working conditions and other labour rights. These figures have been compiled from reports published by national and local media outlets in both Bangla and English. Two important qualifications must be noted: 1. The figures are conservative and provisional. Police Headquarters separately reported the arrest of 33 alleged "saboteurs" accused of posing as garment workers. These arrests have been linked to allegations of involvement by Awami League activists in the protests. However, because some of these 33 arrests may overlap with those already reported in Mirpur and elsewhere, we have excluded them from the current tally to avoid double-counting. If all 33 represent additional, distinct arrests, the total could rise to 168–171 arrests and detentions. 2. Police Headquarters has not released a comprehensive, updated breakdown of arrests and detentions nationwide. Not all arrests and detentions maybe reported. Consequently, the actual number is likely to be higher than the figures currently documented. Geographical Breakdown of Reported Arrests and Detentions - Mirpur, Dhaka: 64 - Gazipur: 37 -Savar–Ashulia: 13–15 - Narayanganj: 21–22 Total: 135–138 reported arrests and detentions. Where media reports potentially overlap, a range has been used rather than adding figures that may refer to the same individuals. Concerns Over Freedom of Assembly and Arbitrary Detention The scale of reported arrests raises serious questions about the government's response to workers exercising their rights to peaceful assembly, freedom of expression and collective action. Garment workers have legitimate grievances concerning inadequate wages, rising living costs, job insecurity and working conditions. Their demands deserve meaningful engagement, not criminalisation. Particularly concerning is the apparent attempt to frame sections of the protests as politically motivated or orchestrated by opposition activists. Political affiliation, whether real or alleged, cannot in itself justify arrest or detention. The authorities should immediately publish a comprehensive, disaggregated list of arrests and detentions connected with the protests, clarify the legal grounds for each arrest, ensure access to legal representation and due process, and release anyone detained solely for peaceful protest or political affiliation. ... Sources: The Business Standard, The Daily Star, Dhaka Tribune, Jago News 24, Prothom Alo, RisingBD, bdnews 24, Press Narayanganj, Jugantor, The Daily Observer and Daily Sun. (Figures compiled from media reports available as of 3 November 2026. The tally remains provisional and subject to revision as further information becomes available). .... @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal

Update on #Bangladesh’s #RMG #Workers’ Protests. Intimidation of garment workers demanding fair wages and better working conditions by ruling party activists reportedly continues. Images: #BNP activists armed with sticks marching through #Mirpur, #Dhaka, amid ongoing workers’ protests. Workers have the right to protest peacefully without fear of intimidation, threats, or violence. Ruling party activists have no legitimate role in suppressing workers’ demands. 📷 Photo credit: @DPostOnline .... @hrw @ActionAid @Oxfam @ilo @amnestysasia @BonaveroIHR @GRC_HumanRights @UN_HRC @davemorrissey64 @JamesPurefoy @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @AgnesCallamard @StateDRL @ituc @ILOAsiaPacific @HRF @S_Asian_Rights @uniglobalunion @global_labor @TUCGlobal

#Bangladesh : Woman Detained for Criticising #BNP Government on Facebook Live. Is Criticising the Government Now a Punishable Offence? A female entrepreneur in Bhaluka, #Mymensingh, was detained on Sunday (25 October) after criticising the deteriorating law and order situation and the ruling #BNP during a Facebook Live broadcast. Sathi Akter, owner of Sathi Beauty Parlour, had reportedly suffered repeated thefts at her business establishments. Frustrated by the worsening security situation, she went live on Facebook to question the government's failure to maintain law and order. She also expressed regret over voting for the BNP. Her criticism apparently did not sit well with local BNP activists and supporters, who apprehended her and handed her over to the police. Think about the implications: A woman complains about repeated thefts at her businesses, questions the government's performance, and regrets her voting choice. Instead of addressing her grievances, political activists detain her and hand her over to law enforcement. Since when did criticising the government become a crime? And what legal authority do ruling-party activists have to apprehend citizens for expressing political opinions? Freedom of expression means little if citizens cannot criticise those in power without fear of retaliation. News: newagebd.net/post/politics/3… .... @Irenekhan @UN_SPExperts @OHCHRAsia @volker_turk @hrw @amnestysasia @ESandersFCDO @PearsonElaine @BonaveroIHR @CIVICUSalliance @meeganguly

#JamaatEIslami Activists Obstruct Funeral and Burial of Liberation War Veteran Manik Posari in #Pirojpur. In a deeply disturbing incident, activists and supporters of Jamaat obstructed the funeral and burial arrangements of Manik Posari, a veteran of #Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, in Pirojpur on Saturday. Posari was also the complainant in a crimes against humanity case against former Jamaat-e-Islami leader Delwar Hossain Sayeedi, who was convicted by the Int'l Crimes Tribunal (ICT) in February 2013. Forced to Leave Home in Aug-2024 Following the political upheaval in August 2024, Posari reportedly faced threats and intimidation from Jamaat supporters, making it unsafe for him to continue living at his ancestral home in Pirojpur. He subsequently took refuge in #Gopalganj, where he reportedly remained until his death. Jamaat Activists Oppose State Honours for Freedom Fighter On Saturday, Posari's body was brought from #Tungipara in Gopalganj to the Pirojpur Sadar Upazila Parishad premises around noon, where arrangements had been made to accord him a state guard of honour in recognition of his service during the Liberation War. However, local Jamaat leaders, activists and supporters reportedly gathered at the venue and obstructed the ceremony, opposing the granting of state honours to the deceased freedom fighter. With tensions escalating, police were forced to relocate the body to the Pirojpur Police Lines, where Posari was eventually accorded a guard of honour around 5:00 pm under tight security. Jamaat Supporters Allegedly Fill in Grave Prepared for Burial The intimidation reportedly continued even after the guard of honour. A grave prepared for Posari's burial in his ancestral village of Chithalia was allegedly filled in by Jamaat supporters on Saturday evening. According to Posari's sister, Hasina Begum, the group chanted slogans while filling in the freshly dug grave, effectively preventing the family from proceeding with the burial as planned. The act of desecrating a prepared burial site further heightened fears among family members and local residents. Burial Finally Completed Around 1.00 am Under Police Protection Around midnight, police escorted Posari's body to his family residence. His burial was finally completed approximately an hour later, after the grave had been re-excavated, under tight police security. The atmosphere of intimidation reportedly prevented many of his relatives, friends and well-wishers from attending the final rites. According to accounts of the incident, only his wife and sister were present among his closest family members, alongside police personnel and a small number of local residents. A Disturbing Trend of Intolerance Towards Liberation War Veterans The reported obstruction of Manik Posari's funeral raises serious questions about the security, dignity and treatment of Bangladesh's Liberation War veterans in post-August 2024 Bangladesh, particularly those who participated in legal proceedings concerning crimes committed during the 1971 war. Posari had already reportedly been forced to leave his home because of threats following the August 2024 political upheaval. That he was denied even a peaceful farewell in his ancestral village underscores the gravity of the intimidation faced by him and his family. News: thedailystar.net/news/news/s… ...