Paris, June 8: A prominent international human rights organization has strongly condemned the alleged arbitrary arrests of 49 Awami League workers, including 17 children, during a peaceful rally in Noakhali district, Bangladesh. The Justice Makers Bangladesh Foundation (JMBF), based in France, expressed grave concern, stating that this incident is not isolated but reflects a broader pattern of repression against dissenting political views across the country.
The organization emphasized that these arrests violate the freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and the right to form associations, as guaranteed by the Bangladeshi Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR).
Citing media reports and sources, JMBF noted that a peaceful protest rally organized by the student wing of the Awami League took place on June 5 in the Badrahati market area of Noakhali Sadar sub-district.
Shortly after, activists from the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) student organization detained 18 individuals, including 17 children, in the Paurabazar area of Maijdi and handed them over to the police.
Additionally, JMBF reported that between the night of June 5 and the morning of June 6, police conducted operations in the Ojbalia, Kaladarap, and Noakhali municipal areas, detaining 24 individuals, including 9 members of the Jubo League and 15 from the student league.
Shahnur Islam, founder and president of JMBF and a human rights lawyer, stated, “Following the pattern established during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the current government under Tarique Rahman continues to restrict constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Mass arrests for participating in political activities, without any clear allegations of violence or public safety threats, are entirely inconsistent with democratic values.”
He added, “The detention of 17 children is extremely concerning, inhumane, and reprehensible. Such repressive measures against children violate the fundamental principles of the Convention on the Rights of the Child. International law recognizes the detention of children only as a last resort and for the shortest possible time. Yet, these children have reportedly been deprived of their freedom for participating in a political program, which could severely impact their safety, mental health, and future. This practice must end immediately.”
JMBF has called on Bangladeshi authorities to release all detainees, including the 17 children, unconditionally and immediately, withdraw all cases and charges against them, and conduct an independent, fair, and transparent investigation into the entire incident.
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