DHAKA: Two prominent human rights activists Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan from the rights group Odhikar in Bangladesh have been sentenced to a two-year jail term, which has raised concerns among critics who view the decision as part of a broader crackdown ahead of the upcoming elections in the country.
The charges against Khan and Elan date back a decade, pertaining to a report they allegedly published with false information. The report in question, released by Odhikar in 2013, focused on security force killings during that year. Prosecutors argued that the report had a detrimental effect on the country’s image, labelling it as undermining.
The trial, which spanned over ten years, concluded with the activists’ conviction in Dhaka. However, the ruling has been met with widespread disapproval from numerous international human rights organizations, which have called for the immediate release of the activists. They assert that the trial lacked fairness.
Both Khan and Elan have dedicated decades to documenting alleged extrajudicial killings, disappearances of opposition activists, and cases of police brutality in Bangladesh. The charges against them specifically relate to the 2013 report, which detailed a protest by an Islamist group aiming to enforce a stricter interpretation of religion within Bangladeshi society.
The report exposed security forces’ actions, revealing that at least 61 individuals, including children, were killed in an overnight operation in Dhaka during the protest.
The timing of the revival of these charges by prosecutors has raised eyebrows, with critics pointing out that the prosecutorial action only gained momentum in 2021—coinciding with US sanctions against Bangladesh’s paramilitary force for alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
International human rights organizations have highlighted numerous due process violations during the trial, including the delayed provision of crucial information to the defense.
Furthermore, they emphasize that Odhikar, under the leadership of Khan and Elan, faced interference and restrictions from the government, impacting their ability to carry out human rights work effectively.
Major crackdown in Bangladesh
The government, led by Sheikh Hasina, has faced accusations of targeting activists and political opponents since 2009, allegations she vehemently denies. Last year, the government revoked Odhikar’s operating license, citing concerns about tarnishing the country’s image.
The conviction of these activists is particularly significant as it coincides with Bangladesh’s upcoming general election, heightening the call for ensuring a free and fair electoral process. The international community closely watches the situation, advocating for justice, human rights, and democratic principles in Bangladesh.
