HRW condemns detention of JASAD leaders, activists

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has described the detention of leaders and activists from the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (JASAD) office as the latest instance of attacks on civil and political rights in Bangladesh, warning that past repression cannot justify similar violations by the present government.

In a report published on its website on Monday, HRW said police raided the JASAD central office on September 26 and detained around 290 supporters. The operation followed claims by Jubo Dal, the youth wing of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), that the gathering was a “secret meeting” of the Awami League, whose activities are currently banned.

Of those detained, 27 were formally arrested under Section 54 and produced before a court. HRW said the allegations included chanting “Joy Bangla”, a slogan associated with the Awami League.

JASAD is a partner in the Awami League-led 14-party alliance. The Awami League remained in power from 2009 until its ouster during the student-led mass uprising in 2024, when hundreds were killed in a crackdown by law enforcement agencies, according to HRW.

The rights organisation noted that the BNP faced severe repression during the Awami League’s tenure but alleged that, after returning to power following last February’s election, it was now using indiscriminate arrests against political opponents. HRW said hundreds of Awami League leaders and activists are currently in prison, many without specific charges.