AFAD Expresses Concern over the Intimidation of its Member Organization – Odhikar in Bangladesh

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) expresses grave concern over the deteriorating situation in Bangladesh ahead of the general election in December 2018 and the precarious position in which its member-organization, Odhikar is operating.

AFAD Expresses Concern over the Election of India, Philippines and Bangladesh in the United Nations Human Rights Council

18^th October 2018

The Asian Federation Against Enforced Disappearances (AFAD) expresses serious concern over the election of some of the 18 new member states into the United Nations Human Rights Council. Among the elected states of the Asia Pacific region, AFAD has membership from India, Bangladesh and the Philippines. These States have shown consistent disregard for human rights of their people and have been oppressive and authoritarian in their functioning instead of being democratic.

Odhikar: Human Rights Monitoring Report on Bangladesh

Reporting Period: 1 – 30 September 2018
Prepared by Odhikar
Date of Release: 2 October 2018

Human Rights Monitoring Report on Bangladesh

Reporting Period: 1 – 30 September 2018 

The overall human rights situation in September 2018 has been reviewed in this report where violations of civil and political rights, including hindrance to freedom of expression, state repression, and deprivation from right to life of the citizens were exclusively highlighted. The absence of democracy and an accountable government in the country have been widely observed after the present government re-assumed power for a second term, through a controversial 2014 Parliamentary election.1 The 11th Parliamentary Elections is expected to be held in December 2018, but a level-playing field for all political parties has not been created.

Reflecting on Lessons of the Past

Forty-six years ago on September 21, 1972, the late President Ferdinand Marcos signed Proclamation 1081, which formally announced the beginning of martial rule in the Philippines. This onerous proclamation marked the beginning of his 14-year dictatorial rule and led to what is now known as the darkest age in our country’s history. By peddling the rhetoric of reform and development, Marcos was able to amass colossal power and influence over all aspects of government. He legitimized martial rule in order to stay in power, yet used the veil of a ‘democratic revolution’ to mask the very real horrors of Martial Law.