Staff Reporter :
The Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on the European Union (EU) to encourage Bangladeshi authorities to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a security force widely condemned for its involvement in extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
In a statement published on its website on Monday, HRW highlighted the courage demonstrated by the Bangladeshi people in recent months, despite the heavy cost paid in their pursuit of democratic transition and human rights progress.
HRW emphasised that the EU should press Bangladesh to dissolve the notorious RAB, which has not only been implicated in serious human rights abuses but was also deployed during the recent violent crackdown on protests.
The organisation suggested that this demand should be bolstered by EU-targeted sanctions against the RAB, similar to those imposed by the United States since 2021.
To further support Bangladesh’s transition, HRW urged the EU to adopt a new approach by backing action at the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session.
This includes investigating recent grave abuses and ensuring that UN monitoring and reporting mechanisms are put in place to address the situation in the country.
HRW also called on the EU to stand with the Bangladeshi people and take concrete actions to support them during this critical time.
The organisation characterised the rule of Sheikh Hasina as ‘authoritarian’, noting, “The authoritarian rule of Sheikh Hasina’s government ended when she resigned and left the country, following weeks of protest.
Hundreds were killed and thousands more injured, in what were among the deadliest crackdowns on protests in Bangladesh’s recent history.”
HRW acknowledged the positive steps taken by Chief Adviser Mohammed Yunus, who has replaced Hasina as interim prime minister.
“Nobel Prize laureate Mohammed Yunus, who replaces Hasina as interim prime minister, took some positive steps and has committed to enacting reforms and ensuring justice for the abuses.
But his ability to deliver on those pledges will rely on support from Bangladesh’s international partners,” HRW stated.
Regarding the EU’s Everything But Arms (EBA) scheme, which
allows Bangladesh lucrative tariff-free exports to the EU contingent on respect for human rights and good governance, HRW expressed concern.
“Hasina’s intensifying authoritarianism was in clear breach of those conditions, including the most recent deadly repression, the violent crackdown ahead of the controversial January elections, and other abuses. Yet those responsible faced no consequences,” the organisation noted.
HRW proposed that the EU, in the context of EBA negotiations, should agree with Bangladeshi authorities on public benchmarks for the protection of human rights.
These should include the release of all those unjustly jailed or disappeared, security sector reform, and other measures to strengthen independent institutions and respect for human rights.