Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on international human rights defenders to visit Bangladesh more frequently in the run-up to the national election scheduled for February, stressing that their presence is vital for ensuring transparency and accountability.
The appeal was made during a meeting in New York on Monday with a high-level delegation led by Kerry Kennedy, president of Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights.
The discussion, which lasted over an hour, brought together activists from multiple countries engaged in human rights and social justice.
“This is a crucial time before the election. The most important thing is that you continue visiting Bangladesh. Every time you come, forgotten issues resurface. Ultimately, you are the voice of the people,” Yunus told the delegation, according to a statement from his press office.
He briefed the group on ongoing reforms, preparations for the election, and steps taken to strengthen human rights protection.
Yunus recalled that the interim government had invited the UN Human Rights Office to investigate last year’s killings, which led to the launch of a dedicated UN rights mission in Bangladesh.
The Chief Adviser also highlighted the creation of a commission to investigate enforced disappearances, noting the harrowing testimonies emerging from victims. While the commission has yet to release a full report, it continues to provide regular updates.
Outlining broader reform efforts, Yunus said 11 commissions had been established across key sectors, with the National Consensus Commission reviewing constitutional reform proposals.
He added that major amendments included in the July Charter were expected to be finalised in draft form by October and signed by political parties.
On the election itself, Yunus vowed that the February polls would be “free, fair, and peaceful” — unlike previous votes where, he said, many citizens were denied the chance to cast their ballots.
“We want to welcome genuine voters this time, especially women, and celebrate participation. Our aim is to ensure the highest voter turnout in the nation’s history,” he said.
Yunus warned, however, that powerful groups were working to disrupt the process. “Some forces do not want the election to happen. Large sums of money are being poured in, both inside and outside the country, to destabilise the situation. They are well-prepared — and that is the most dangerous aspect,” he cautioned.
The Chief Adviser further urged human rights organisations to speak out against money laundering, stressing that stolen assets hidden abroad must be recovered for the benefit of the Bangladeshi people.
During the meeting, National Citizens’ Party (NCP) leader Tasnim Jara said young Bangladeshis had mobilised for structural reforms to prevent a repeat of the conditions that sparked July’s mass uprising.
Participants also underlined the importance of security sector reforms to safeguard human rights. Human Rights Watch Asia Director John Sifton said political parties must be pressured to pursue reforms even after the new parliament is formed.
Others present included RFK Human Rights counsel Katherine Cooper, CIVICUS Secretary-General Mandeep Tiwana, Fortify Rights founder Matthew Smith, Tech Global Institute Executive Director Sabhanaz Rashid Diya, Amnesty International’s Asia Director Caroline Nash, Ohio University visiting scholar Mohammad Ashrafuzzaman, and CIVICUS UN adviser Jeselina Rana.
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