Bangladesh has evolved into a surveillance-based society, a shift that threatens fundamental human rights, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman stated at a press conference on Thursday (20 March).
Speaking at an event hosted by Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) at the MIDAS Convention Centre in Dhanmondi, he cited a United Nations report on surveillance, which warns that excessive state monitoring violates international human rights standards.
He urged the government to scale back its surveillance practices and realign them with global norms.
The UN report calls for the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) and the National Telecommunication Monitoring Centre (NTMC) while recommending that the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) operate strictly as a security intelligence agency rather than encroach on civil liberties. Additionally, it suggests abolishing the military authority wing within the Ansar-VDP.
Iftekharuzzaman also underscored the need for justice and accountability, stressing that those in leadership during the Awami League’s tenure must be held responsible for past abuses.
He highlighted the UN’s recommendation that members of the army, DGFI, Rab, police, Ansar, and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) involved in the 2024 violence should be barred from UN peacekeeping missions.
The report further advocates for a stronger, independent civil society and media, particularly in addressing environmental concerns.
It outlines five critical areas for urgent reform:
- Accountability and justice
- Security forces
- Civil rights and democracy
- Political systems
- Economic governance
Prominent rights activists and legal experts, including Shamsul Huda (ALRD), Tamanna Haq Riti (Ain o Salish Kendra), Md Borkot Ali (BLAST), Rowshan Ara (Naripokkho), and Zakir Hossain (Nagorik Uddyog), were present at the event, echoing calls for immediate action to restore democratic principles and safeguard human rights.
