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.
Summery of the News
| Key Points | Details |
| Why in News ? | All members of Bangladesh’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) resigned on November 7, 2024, shortly after releasing a report on rising mob violence and crimes in the country. This came amid political instability following former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s resignation in August 2024. |
| Chairman of NHRC | Kamal Uddin Ahmed |
| Resigned Members | Md Salim Reza, Aminul Islam, Kongjari Chowdhury, Biswajit Chanda, Tania Haque |
| Date of Resignation | November 7, 2024 |
| Reason for Resignation | NHRC’s report highlighted a rise in mob violence, political harassment, and crimes |
| Former Prime Minister | Sheikh Hasina |
| Date of Sheikh Hasina’s Resignation | August 5, 2024 |
| Cause of Hasina’s Resignation | Protests against her government’s controversial job quota system |
| Resulting Communal Tensions | Over 2,000 attacks reported on the minority Hindu community post-Hasina’s resignation |
| Current Government | Interim government took charge after Hasina’s departure |
| Former President | Md Abdul Hamid (appointed NHRC members in December 2022) |
| Country | Bangladesh |
| Capital of Bangladesh | Dhaka |
| Currency of Bangladesh | Bangladeshi Taka (BDT) |