Dhaka: UN experts on Wednesday called on the interim government of Bangladesh to conduct elections and a referendum that are genuinely free, fair, safe, and inclusive, emphasizing the importance of upholding human rights as citizens prepare to vote on Thursday.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the experts stressed that a fair election process cannot exist without the equal right to freedom of opinion and expression, access to information, and media freedom. They expressed concern over the increasing intolerance, threats, and attacks on journalists, human rights defenders, civil society actors, women's groups, and minorities, as well as the violence and killing of political activists with impunity in recent months.
The experts, including Irene Khan, Gina Romero, and Mary Lawlor, urged the interim government to ensure security forces adhere to international human rights standards, respect citizens' right to participate, and remain accountable under civilian and judicial oversight. They criticized the Electoral Commission's failure to address electoral code violations and its lack of preparedness to tackle disinformation on social media, which affects over 50 million users, many of whom are young and first-time voters.
The statement further called on the interim government to collaborate with social media companies to counter false information while safeguarding internet access and ensuring reliable election information. Concerns were also raised about the absence of election-specific protocols to protect journalists amid threats and hostility.
The experts urged authorities to halt arrests under repressive laws and warned political parties against spreading disinformation or inciting violence and discrimination. They emphasized the significance of this election, which follows a mass uprising, in shaping a society based on human rights and the rule of law.
Finally, the experts called on the new government to promote media freedom, pluralism, and gender equality, ensuring a safe environment for human rights defenders and upholding rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association without discrimination. They confirmed ongoing communication with the Bangladeshi government regarding these issues.