New york: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged international human rights organizations to enhance their engagement with Bangladesh as the nation approaches its pivotal national election set for February next year. During a meeting with a delegation of notable human rights defenders at his New York hotel on Monday, Professor Yunus emphasized the significance of these organizations’ continued visits to Bangladesh.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Professor Yunus underscored the role of human rights groups in bringing attention to long-neglected issues in Bangladesh. “The most important thing is that you keep visiting. Each visit brings long-ignored issues back into the spotlight. Ultimately, you are the voice of the people,” he stated.
The hour-long meeting was led by Kerry Kennedy, President of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, and included representatives from several major international advocacy organizations. During the discussion, Professor Yunus provided an overview of Bangladesh’s p
reparations for the upcoming election, ongoing reform efforts, and recent initiatives to address human rights concerns.
Professor Yunus highlighted several key developments, including the formation of a commission to investigate enforced disappearances and the establishment of a UN human rights mission following an investigation into last year’s killings. He noted the importance of these efforts in addressing past abuses and ensuring accountability.
In addressing electoral reforms, Professor Yunus revealed that 11 reform commissions have been established to provide recommendations across key sectors, with a national consensus-building commission reviewing these proposals. The July Charter, outlining major constitutional reforms, is expected to be drafted and signed by October.
Looking ahead to the February election, Professor Yunus reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring a free, fair, and peaceful vote. He highlighted efforts to increase voter turnout, particularly among women, through a nationw
ide educational campaign about the voting process.
However, Professor Yunus expressed concerns about attempts by international actors to disrupt the election process, citing significant financial resources being utilized to undermine the elections. He stressed the critical nature of the coming months in safeguarding the electoral process.
He also called on rights groups to raise their voices against global money laundering, emphasizing the difficulty of recovering stolen national wealth under current legal frameworks. “This is people’s money,” he said, urging banks not to become safe havens for stolen wealth.
The meeting also featured input from National Citizen Party leader Dr. Tasnim Jara, who emphasized the role of young Bangladeshis in advocating for structural reforms to prevent a recurrence of past issues. Delegation members highlighted the importance of continued pressure on political parties to sustain the reform agenda post-election, especially in the security sector.
Key participants in the meet
ing included John Sifton, Asia Advocacy Director at Human Rights Watch, and representatives from Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights, CIVICUS, Fortify Rights, Tech Global Institute, Amnesty International, and other organizations.