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End crackdown on opposition, free speech

HRW urges govt; wants int'l community to press Dhaka to create conducive polls environment

Diplomatic Correspondent
Human Rights Watch has urged Bangladesh to end the crackdown on political oppositions and free expression ahead of the national elections to ensure people's right to choose their government.
In a press statement, HRW said Bangladeshi security forces have been arresting and intimidating opposition men and threatening freedom of expression in advance of the December 30 polls.
The New York-based international right body also said the United Nations, European Union, United States, India, China, and others should press the government of Sheikh Hasina to create conditions conducive to a free and fair vote and prevent campaign violence.
"As Bangladesh waits to vote, repressive measures including widespread surveillance and a crackdown on speech have contributed to a widely described climate of fear, extending from prominent people to ordinary citizens,” the rights body said, adding that such actions of the ruling party would create a condition which may undermine the credibility of the elections.
Human Rights Watch research from October to early December found repeated instances of arbitrary security force arrest and detention of protesters and political opposition figures, and acts of violence and intimidation by members of the ruling party's student and youth wings.
Institutions including the judiciary and the national election commission do not appear to be fully prepared to independently and fairly resolve disputes around campaigns and elections, such as on registration, candidacies, and results, said the rights body.
"The Awami League government has been systematically cracking down on independent and opposition voices to ensure that the ruling party faces no obstacles to total political control,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human RightsWatch.
HRW said all party leaders should call upon their supporters to refrain from violence and the government should order security forces to use proportionate measures to prevent the imminent threat of death or serious injury, to play an impartial role, and to promptly investigate all credible complaints of violations.
"Governments concerned for Bangladesh's future should denounce abuses leading up to the elections, which will deny voters their rights,” Adams said.
On denying freedom of expression and association, HRW said the preelection crackdown has been accompanied by suppression of dissent and criticism.
In terms of media space and civil society space, I don't think we've ever had such a bad situation. Even under previous military regimes people had the right to speak up, said HRW, quoting a civil society member without naming him.