While the environment of intimidation and repression—marked by forced disappearances during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule—has partially subsided, Bangladesh’s interim government is struggling with a rise in mob violence, mass arrests, and the systematic denial of bail.

This assessment comes from the New York-based international rights watchdog, Human Rights Watch (HRW), in its latest annual report released on Wednesday (February 4).

The report highlights that the interim government, led by Professor Muhammad Yunus, is facing significant hurdles in maintaining law and order and implementing promised human rights reforms.

HRW also raised concerns over the arbitrary detention of thousands of individuals perceived as political opponents.

Challenges in Law and Order
According to HRW, the interim government—which took office following the fall of the Awami League government in 2024—is under immense pressure.

The report noted that the government temporarily banned the activities of the Awami League in May last year.

Subsequently, on November 17, the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) sentenced former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death for crimes against humanity committed during the suppression of the 2024 mass movement.

The report further identified violence by non-state actors and political groups as a major concern. It also noted the rise of hardline groups opposing women's and LGBT rights.

Citing data from the local rights group Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), the report stated that at least 124 people were killed in mob lynchings between June 2024 and August 2025.

Mass Arrests and Custodial Deaths
HRW observed that the practice of politically motivated and arbitrary arrests, prevalent under the previous administration, continues. A disturbing trend has emerged where hundreds of "unnamed individuals" are being accused in a single case.

Currently, hundreds of Awami League leaders, activists, and supporters remain imprisoned as suspects in murder cases, with their bail applications frequently rejected without trial. The list of detainees includes actors, lawyers, singers, and political activists.

The report highlighted:

Operation Devil Hunt: An operation launched last year led to the arrest of at least 8,600 people.

Gopalganj Clashes: Following a clash in Gopalganj on July 16 between security forces and banned Awami League supporters, five people were killed. Police subsequently detained hundreds and filed 10 murder cases against over 8,400 people, the vast majority of whom were unnamed.

Casualties: Quoting the rights organization Odhikar, HRW noted that at least 40 people have died at the hands of law enforcement since the interim government took charge, with 14 of them allegedly dying due to torture. Additionally, political violence has resulted in 81 deaths and nearly 8,000 injuries.

Freedom of Expression and Association
The report criticized the government’s use of anti-terrorism laws to ban the Awami League, which restricted the party's meetings, publications, and online support.

Furthermore, 2025 saw numerous attacks on journalists, mostly carried out by political activists and violent mobs. Authors and litterateurs have also faced criminal proceedings for "hurting religious sentiments."

While nine sections of the Cyber Security Act were repealed in March last year, HRW maintains that the remaining provisions still fall short of international human rights standards.

Justice for Past Violations
A UN report published in February stated that police, BGB, RAB, and intelligence agencies were involved in serious human rights violations during the movement to oust Sheikh Hasina, which claimed approximately 1,400 lives.

However, HRW remarked that progress in holding these officials accountable remains limited. A police spokesperson stated in July that only 60 officers had been arrested for their roles in the crackdown.

While the ICT is being used to prosecute crimes from the previous era, HRW raised questions regarding its judicial standards, citing the retention of the death penalty and the power to dissolve political organizations as conflicting with international norms.

Stagnation in Reforms
The report concluded that while the interim government formed several commissions to reform the judiciary, police, and election system, actual implementation has been slow due to a lack of political consensus.

Deteriorating humanitarian conditions—including violence against women, attacks on minorities, a fresh influx of Rohingya refugees, and a decrease in foreign aid—were also highlighted as critical issues.