Desk Report:
Falkar Turk’s concern over law amendments that create scope for banning political parties in Bangladesh.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Falker Türk has expressed concern over the amendment of the law in Bangladesh that creates opportunities to ban political parties and organizations. He expressed this concern in his annual report to the 59th Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland, on Monday.
A statement by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights highlighted Falker Türk’s statement. He highlighted the conflicts and human rights violations in various countries and regions of the world, including the Iran-Israel conflict, and various steps taken to improve the human rights situation.
Regarding Bangladesh, Falker Türk said, “I am encouraged that the interim government and political parties in Bangladesh are making progress through dialogue. I have called for meaningful progress towards the goal of reform, creating an environment for free and inclusive elections. However, I am concerned about the recent changes in the law that create opportunities to ban political parties and organizations and all related activities. It will unfairly restrict freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.’
Falkar Turk’s concern over law amendments that create scope for banning political parties in Bangladesh
The interim government recently issued the Anti-Terrorism (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, adding a provision to prohibit all activities of individuals or entities (organizations) involved in terrorist activities. In light of this ordinance, all activities of the leaders and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League and all its affiliates, affiliated organizations and fraternal organizations are banned until the trial of the International Crimes Tribunal is completed. In addition, the interim government has also amended the International Crimes Tribunal Act. According to the amendment, the International Crimes Tribunal will be able to punish any political party, its affiliates or support groups.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has also expressed concern about the recent tariff increases and trade wars. He said that the impact of the trade war will hit the least developed countries with the speed of a tsunami. As a result, Caribbean countries and small developing countries will be the most affected. The impact could be disastrous for countries with large export sectors, including Bangladesh, Cambodia, Sri Lanka, and Vietnam.
