Human Rights Groups Alarmed by Treason Charges Against Bangladeshi Activist Shampa Goswami

Dhaka, November 3 (Daily Kiran) : Concern is mounting over treason charges filed against Shampa Goswami, a prominent Hindu women’s rights activist in Bangladesh. Local media reports indicate that major human rights organizations are worried about her safety, alleging that she has faced ongoing harassment since the charges were brought against her.

Shampa Goswami serves as the executive director of the Prerna Nari Unnayan Sangstha, a women’s organization based in Satkhira district. In a statement released on Monday, the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) called for her safety and urged authorities to allow her to continue her legitimate human rights activities without fear. The forum also emphasized the need to protect her family and associates from any threats or intimidation.

HRFB is a coalition of 20 human rights and development organizations in Bangladesh, including Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF), Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Bangladesh Mahila Parishad (BMP), and Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB).

According to HRFB, the treason case against Goswami was filed on September 29 at the Shyamnagar police station in Satkhira. Goswami claims that police have been surveilling her home and the office of her organization. She also reported that her family members are being harassed.

The forum stresses the need to take these allegations seriously, particularly as the Bangladeshi constitution guarantees citizens fundamental rights and privacy. It provides citizens the right to freely move and maintain the confidentiality of their personal correspondence. HRFB has called for a thorough investigation into the allegations of surveillance and harassment.

The forum also stated that there must be a solid and clear basis for levying serious charges like treason against individuals involved in human rights work. HRFB has requested that authorities conduct an impartial investigation into the legal basis and credibility of the charges against Goswami, as well as the allegations of harassment she has faced.

Last month, the Ireland-based human rights organization Front Line Defenders (FLD) also expressed concern over the alleged attacks and harassment against Shampa Goswami. The organization noted that this persecution is linked to her identity as a woman and a member of a religious minority, reflecting the rising violence and discrimination against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.

FLD raised serious concerns about the travel ban imposed on Goswami and the police investigation initiated by the Bangladeshi Ministry of Home Affairs against her.