A year after mass protests toppled Sheikh Hasina’s authoritarian government, Bangladesh’s interim leadership under Mohammed Yunus is struggling to deliver on its human rights pledges, Human Rights Watch said.

While enforced disappearances have declined, arbitrary detentions of political opponents—mainly Awami League supporters—continue. Reform efforts remain largely stalled, with commissions’ recommendations ignored and the abusive security sector unreformed. Violence by religious hardliners, attacks on minorities, and harassment of journalists persist.

Thousands have been detained without charge, often under the same repressive laws used by the former regime. Meanwhile, few security officials responsible for past abuses have been prosecuted.

Human Rights Watch urged the interim government to end arbitrary arrests, disband abusive forces like the Rapid Action Battalion, and ensure meaningful reform, including equal political participation for women. International support should be tied to accountability and real change.

“Bangladesh’s opportunity for lasting reform is slipping,” said HRW’s Meenakshi Ganguly.

Source: HRW