HumanRights – Rights Group Criticises Detention of Activists in Noakhali
HumanRights – A France-based human rights organisation has strongly criticised the detention of 49 members of student and youth groups linked to Bangladesh’s Awami League in Noakhali district, alleging that the arrests were carried out without justification despite the individuals taking part in a peaceful political gathering. The organisation also expressed concern that 17 of those detained were children.
Rights Organisation Raises Alarm Over Arrests
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) described the incident as a serious infringement on fundamental democratic freedoms. According to the organisation, the arrests go beyond a single local event and reflect a wider trend of pressure and restrictions faced by people with differing political opinions across Bangladesh.
The group stated that the reported detentions undermine protections for freedom of expression, peaceful assembly, and association. It argued that these rights are safeguarded not only by Bangladesh’s Constitution but also by international human rights frameworks, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
Details of the Noakhali Incident
Referring to information obtained from media reports and local sources, JMBF said a peaceful rally organised by members of the Chhatra League took place in the Badharhat Market area of Noakhali Sadar Upazila on June 5.
The organisation claimed that several hours after the gathering, 18 people, including 17 minors, were detained in Maijdee town’s Pouro Bazar area. According to the rights body, activists affiliated with the Bangladesh Nationalist Party’s student wing, Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal, allegedly took part in the incident before handing the individuals over to law enforcement authorities.
Additional Detentions Reported
JMBF further alleged that police operations continued overnight between June 5 and June 6 in multiple locations within Noakhali Sadar Upazila, including Eojbalia, Kaladaraap, and areas under the municipality.
During these operations, authorities reportedly detained 24 more individuals. The rights organisation said those taken into custody included activists associated with both the Jubo League and the Chhatra League. The group maintained that there were no publicly known allegations linking the detainees to violence, property damage, or threats to public order.
Concerns Over Democratic Freedoms
Shahanur Islam, founder and president of JMBF, said the arrests raise important questions about the condition of civil liberties in the country. He argued that political participation should not lead to detention when there is no evidence of unlawful activity.
According to Islam, the repeated use of arrests against individuals involved in political events is inconsistent with democratic principles and could contribute to a shrinking space for public expression and peaceful political engagement. He urged authorities to respect constitutional protections and ensure that citizens can exercise their rights without fear of punishment.
Focus on the Detention of Children
The rights organisation placed particular emphasis on the reported detention of 17 children, describing the situation as deeply troubling. Islam stated that international standards on children’s rights require detention to be used only in exceptional circumstances and for the shortest possible period.
He warned that holding minors in connection with political activities could have lasting effects on their safety, emotional well-being, and future opportunities. The organisation stressed that children should receive special protection under both domestic and international legal frameworks.
Call for Immediate Action
JMBF has urged Bangladeshi authorities to release all detainees without delay, including the children reportedly held in connection with the incident. The organisation also called for the withdrawal of all related legal cases and charges.
In addition, it requested an independent and transparent investigation into the events surrounding the arrests, arguing that a thorough review is necessary to establish the facts and ensure accountability.