Bangladesh Human Rights Commission Members Resign Amid Crisis

All members of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) resigned on Thursday, shortly after the release of a critical report highlighting an increase in mob violence. The NHRC, chaired by Kamal Uddin Ahmed, along with members Md Salim Reza, Aminul Islam, Kongjari Chowdhury, Biswajit Chanda, and Tania Haque, submitted resignation letters to the president, according to BDNews24.com.

These events follow a tumultuous period since the interim government took over three months ago, succeeding former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s departure amid public backlash and communal tensions.

Context of Resignations

The NHRC resignations came just days after the release of a report detailing a sharp rise in mob violence and crimes such as beatings, rapes, and political harassment in October. The report also exposed violent attacks on political figures, contributing to growing concerns about human rights and safety in Bangladesh. The NHRC spokesperson, Yusha Rahman, confirmed the resignations but could not specify the underlying cause.

Sheikh Hasina’s Departure and Political Fallout

Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned abruptly on August 5 and fled to India, facing mass protests over a contentious job quota policy implemented by her Awami League-led government. Her resignation triggered significant upheaval across government departments, marked by widespread reshuffling and a string of high-profile resignations. Since her departure, Bangladesh has experienced severe communal tensions, with over 2,000 reported attacks on the Hindu minority.

Impact and Rising Communal Tensions

The political and communal unrest intensified following Hasina’s exit, worsening the nation’s human rights scenario. The NHRC’s report, which underscored these escalating crimes and unrest, appears to have amplified the gravity of the situation, possibly prompting the commission members to step down. The increasing violence and political instability continue to shape the national landscape, posing significant challenges for the interim government.

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