HRW Criticises Yunus Govt on Rights, Law and Order 
With Bangladesh preparing for national elections next week, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has come under sharp criticism from Human Rights Watch (HRW) over its failure to ensure law and order and protect fundamental rights.
In its 2026 World Report, the US-based rights group accused the interim administration of widespread abuses, political repression, and weak governance since it took power in 2024 following the ouster of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the Awami League government.
Crackdown on Political Opponents
According to HRW, the Yunus-led administration has arbitrarily detained thousands of perceived political opponents since assuming office. The rights body said the government imposed sweeping restrictions on dissent and, in May, went as far as banning the Awami League.
The report noted that these actions have raised serious concerns about democratic freedoms ahead of the upcoming elections, with opposition voices increasingly marginalised.
“Instead of restoring trust in democratic institutions, the interim government has relied on repression and legal intimidation,” HRW observed.
International Crimes Tribunal Under Scrutiny
HRW also criticised the government’s use of the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh (ICT) to prosecute alleged crimes committed during the Awami League’s tenure.
The tribunal, originally established to try crimes related to the 1971 war of independence, was repurposed to hear cases against former political leaders.
In November last year, the ICT sentenced Sheikh Hasina and former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal to death in trials held in absentia. A former police chief, who testified for the prosecution, was later jailed for five years.
“The tribunal has long been plagued by violations of fair trial standards,” HRW stated. While acknowledging some legal reforms, the group said the court still lacks adequate due process safeguards and continues to impose the death penalty, violating international human rights norms.
The interim government, HRW added, has also empowered the tribunal to dismantle political organisations, raising fears of institutionalised political targeting.
Rise in Mob Violence
One of the most alarming developments highlighted in the report is the surge in mob violence involving political groups and non-state actors.
Citing data from Ain O Salish Kendra, HRW said at least 124 people were killed in mob attacks between June and August 2025.
Religious hardliners and extremist groups hostile to women’s rights and LGBTQ+ communities were identified as major contributors to the violence.
In July last year, mobs vandalised at least 14 homes belonging to Hindu families in Rangpur district. HRW also documented persistent attacks against minority communities in the Chittagong Hill Tracts, including cases of sexual violence.
“These incidents reflect a breakdown of basic law enforcement and state protection,” the report noted.
Worsening Situation for Women
HRW painted a grim picture of women’s safety under the interim regime, stating that sexual and gender-based violence remains widespread.
“Women and girls had little recourse to seek protection or access justice,” the report said.
Although women played a central role in the July 2024 protests that led to political change, HRW pointed out that they were largely excluded from decision-making in the new administration.
In April 2025, a government-appointed commission recommended major reforms, including criminalising marital rape, ensuring equal parental rights, reforming inheritance laws, and increasing women’s representation in Parliament.
However, these proposals triggered strong opposition. Nearly 20,000 supporters of Hefazat-e-Islam rallied in Dhaka to protest the reforms.
HRW said the government failed to defend the proposed changes, allowing conservative pressure to derail progress on gender equality.
Political Climate Ahead of Elections
The report comes at a sensitive time, with Bangladesh heading into elections amid political polarisation and public discontent.
Since August 2024, the country has witnessed rising violence against women and children, increased mob culture, and a weakening of policing institutions. Observers say these trends have eroded public confidence in the interim administration.
HRW warned that unless urgent steps are taken to restore civil liberties, ensure judicial fairness, and curb violence, the credibility of the electoral process could be undermined.
“The upcoming elections risk being held in an atmosphere of fear and repression,” the organisation cautioned.
Regional and Global Implications
Analysts believe the findings could have wider diplomatic consequences. Bangladesh is a key strategic and economic partner for several countries, and continued instability may affect foreign investment and international cooperation.
Human rights advocates have urged global partners to press Dhaka for reforms and greater accountability.
Our Final Thoughts
The Human Rights Watch report presents a troubling assessment of Bangladesh’s political and human rights landscape under the Yunus-led interim government. Allegations of mass detentions, flawed trials, rising mob violence, and weak protection for women and minorities raise serious questions about governance and democratic credibility.
As the country approaches a crucial election, restoring rule of law, protecting civil liberties, and rebuilding public trust will be essential. Without meaningful reforms, Bangladesh risks sliding further into instability at a time when stability is most needed.