Nafisa Tabassum Aksha :
The fight for justice and human rights in Bangladesh has been a protracted and difficult one, filled with both victories and disappointments.
A number of rights, such as the freedom of speech, the freedom of religion, and the right to life and liberty, are guaranteed by the 1972 Constitution of Bangladesh.
Although these constitutional principles theoretically establish a basis for equality and justice, Political, Social, and Economic circumstances frequently cause the reality to fall short of these ideals.
The Bangladesh Penal Code and other laws that shield its residents from abuses including discrimination, child labour, and human trafficking are part of the nation’s legal system.
Enforcement is still unbalanced, though, with many cases of human rights violations being unpunished or offenders getting away with it because of systemic corruption or influence in politics.
Shahidul Alam, a well-known photographer and activist, was detained in 2023 for openly criticising the way the government handled student protests, highlighting the unstable condition of political freedoms in this country.
As per the report which got published by The New Nation stipulated that in 2024, judges shortage leaves 3.5m cases pending in courts. Cases often languish in courts for years, and victims of human rights violations frequently do not see justice served.
One of the most significant hurdles in the pursuit of justice in Bangladesh is the inefficiency and corruption within the judicial system. International Human Rights Watch notes that there is a persistent lack of accountability for human rights violations, particularly those committed by the state.
The ongoing push for reforms in areas such as freedom of expression, women’s rights, and transparency in government operations indicates that change, though slow, is possible.
Lastly, the true question is not whether Bangladesh can attain a future in which justice and human rights are fully achieved, but rather how long it will take and what it will cost. As the country progresses, its citizen continue to live on hope that the promises of justice, equality, and dignity will one day become a reality for everyone.
Bangladesh has a legal framework that supports human rights and equality, but implementation often falls short due to political influences, corruption, and weak enforcement. Strengthening the legal system, ensuring impartiality in the judiciary, and creating more robust institutions can drive progress. This will require both legal protection and societal change to combat entrenched biases and discrimination.
(The author is
pursuing Master of
Laws degree from the
University of Asia
Pacific)
