Dhaka: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam on Tuesday affirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding human rights for all citizens, emphasizing that no individual would be unjustly detained or imprisoned for political reasons, irrespective of their political affiliation.
According to United News of Bangladesh, Shama Obaed highlighted that the government’s commitment extends to supporters of all political parties, including the opposition and the Awami League, which currently faces a ban on its activities. Her remarks came in response to a journalist’s query regarding a recent statement from Human Rights Watch (HRW).
The New York-based rights organization had urged Bangladesh authorities to immediately address the prolonged pretrial detention of politicians and others associated with the deposed Awami League government. The HRW reported that thousands of party officials, activists, and supporters were detained by police after Sheikh Hasina stepped down as prime minister in August 2024, with many still imprisoned without charges.
Shama Obaed stated that Bangladesh has seen unprecedented human rights violations over the past 17 years, with leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) being notably affected. She expressed the government’s resolve to prevent a return to what she described as the “fascist era,” underscoring the necessity of ensuring minimum human rights for every citizen.
Addressing the legal cases filed following the political upheaval of July-August 2024, Shama Obaed emphasized that the government is committed to basing legal actions on evidence rather than political motives. She mentioned that cases have been filed against individuals accused of serious crimes, with the Law Ministry tasked to review these cases thoroughly to ensure their legitimacy.
The State Minister reiterated that the government’s responsibility is to uphold citizens’ rights and prevent justice from being weaponized for political retribution. She stressed that the human rights commitment must include political opponents and supporters alike.
In her remarks on foreign policy, Shama Obaed articulated Bangladesh’s focus on protecting its national interests while fostering balanced international relations. She expressed confidence that Bangladesh’s enhanced political mandate would strengthen its negotiating position with international partners, including China.
Shama Obaed concluded by asserting that the current circumstances grant Bangladesh a more robust stance in international negotiations, supported by its status as an elected government.