Bangladesh facing fresh crackdown under Anti-Terrorism Act, says Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised concerns over the growing use of Bangladesh’s amended counterterrorism law by the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus, to arrest supporters of the deposed Awami League government. The US-based human rights organisation says the UN human rights team in Bangladesh should immediately demand the release of those detained arbitrarily and encourage authorities to prosecute anyone involved in unlawful political violence. In a report on Wednesday, the HRW said the interim government took steps by ordering a “temporary” ban on the Awami League using the newly amended Anti-Terrorism Act, prohibiting the party's meetings, publications, and online activities. According to HRW, this legislation is being used to “target and arrest” Awami League members and...