SINCE its independence in 1971, Bangladesh has enshrined human rights at the heart of its national identity. The Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, equality before the law, freedom of expression and protection from discrimination, reflecting the nation鈥檚 founding vision of justice and dignity for all. Yet over five decades later, the human rights landscape presents a complex picture. While the country has achieved notable progress in social development, gender parity and poverty reduction, concerns over shrinking civic space, media restrictions and institutional independence remain pressing.
This paradox, progressive social indicators alongside constrained civil and political freedoms, defines much of Bangladesh鈥檚 human rights discourse. As the nation approaches a politically sensitive transition, renewed analysis and dialogue on rights is more urgent than ever.
听
Social progress and rights achievements
BANGLADESH has made remarkable strides in social and economic rights. Extreme poverty has fallen from 44 per cent in 1991 to around 18 per cent in 2022. Life expectancy has risen to 73 years, and the country ranks highly in gender parity for primary education. Policies such as the National Women鈥檚 Development Policy, expanded social safety nets, and community health initiatives have contributed to tangible improvements in citizens鈥� wellbeing.
Labour rights have also seen incremental gains. Trade unions in the garment sector, though limited, reflect the gradual recognition of workers鈥� voices. Bangladesh鈥檚 engagement with international human rights mechanisms, including membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council from 2018 to 2021, further signals a willingness to remain part of global dialogue. These achievements demonstrate that social and economic transformation can coexist with challenges in political freedoms, a tension familiar to many developing democracies.
听
Accountability challenges
DESPITE constitutional safeguards, civil and political rights remain contested. Freedoms of expression, assembly, and press are increasingly constrained. Laws such as the Digital Security Act and the Cyber Security Act have been criticised for curbing online speech and criminalising dissent.
Political space for opposition parties has also narrowed. Restrictions on rallies, arrests of activists and limited opportunities for inclusive dialogue have weakened democratic pluralism. The judiciary, though constitutionally independent, suffers from perceptions of politicisation. Accountability mechanisms, from the National Human Rights Commission to the Anti-Corruption Commission, struggle to exercise full autonomy. The NHRC, established in 2009, has raised awareness and documented violations, yet its limited mandate and reliance on the executive hinder decisive action.
听
National Human Rights Commission
THE NHRC sits at the centre of Bangladesh鈥檚 human rights framework. Tasked with monitoring, advising and advocating on rights issues, it is expected to act as both watchdog and bridge between state and citizens. However, its quasi-independent status, limited resources and gaps in alignment with the Paris Principles, the global standard for national human rights institutions, constrain its effectiveness.
Reforming the NHRC is urgent. Updating its Act to expand investigative powers, ensure transparent appointments, and enhance financial and administrative independence is essential. This is not merely an administrative matter; it is political. For rights protection to advance, the NHRC must be credible, impartial and empowered to hold all actors accountable, regardless of political affiliation.
听
Shrinking civic space and media freedom
CIVIL society organisations have long been instrumental in advancing women鈥檚 rights, education, and disaster response. Yet restrictive regulations on foreign funding and registration, particularly under the Foreign Donations (Voluntary Activities) Regulation Act, have hampered advocacy. While intended to ensure transparency, the law imposes bureaucratic hurdles that limit the role of non-governmental organisations in promoting social change.
Media freedom faces similar pressures. Bangladesh ranks low on the World Press Freedom Index. Journalists encounter intimidation, legal harassment, and threats, particularly when reporting on governance or corruption. The rise of 鈥榝ake news鈥� rhetoric has blurred the boundary between legitimate critique and disinformation, complicating the role of media as a democratic watchdog. Protecting journalists, safeguarding civic space, and allowing dissenting voices are essential steps to rebuild trust between the state, civil society and media.
听
Human rights in political transition
AS BANGLADESH approaches another electoral cycle, human rights assume renewed importance. Political transitions heighten tensions between stability and freedom. Suppressing dissent in the name of order risks eroding democratic norms, while inclusive governance offers the chance to strengthen accountability. Dialogue among political actors, civil society and international partners is crucial. Rights-based governance must be central to this process, not treated as an afterthought.
听
Emerging challenges
NEW challenges extend beyond traditional civil and political rights, reflecting social and economic change and global realities. Climate justice, digital rights and labour migration have emerged as critical concerns.
Bangladesh is one of the world鈥檚 most climate-vulnerable countries. Rising sea levels, salinity intrusion, river erosion and frequent cyclones threaten livelihoods, food security and displacement. Climate adaptation and mitigation policies must integrate human rights principles, ensuring inclusive participation, equitable access and protection for those most at risk. Climate justice is therefore not merely environmental management; it is a matter of fairness, accountability and intergenerational responsibility.
Digital rights are equally urgent. Rapid digitalisation raises concerns around privacy, surveillance, online safety and freedom of expression. Laws such as the Cyber Security Act must strike a balance between security and individual freedom. Without robust data protection frameworks and accountability mechanisms, citizens risk exposure to misuse of personal information and arbitrary restrictions on online speech. Digital literacy, especially for youth and marginalised groups, is essential to ensure technology empowers rather than excludes.
Labour migration remains a defining human rights issue. Over ten million Bangladeshis work abroad, contributing billions in remittances. Yet many face exploitative recruitment, unsafe working conditions, and limited access to justice. Strengthening bilateral agreements, enforcing ethical recruitment and expanding grievance redress mechanisms are crucial to ensure economic migration does not compromise human dignity.
听
Role of international partners
INTERNATIONAL collaboration is vital to sustaining human rights progress. Organisations such as the United Nations Development Programme, European Union, and Danish Institute for Human Rights engage with local partners to promote dialogue, strengthen institutions and support reforms. This support must respect national ownership and context. Constructive engagement, enabling rather than prescribing, amplifying local voices rather than replacing them, builds trust and institutional maturity.
听
Pathways to reform
A COMPREHENSIVE reform agenda is essential. Key institutions, particularly the NHRC and judiciary, must be independent, transparent, and impartial. Media and civic freedoms require protection. Laws that criminalise free expression, including overly broad digital security provisions, must be revised. Mechanisms to protect journalists, human rights defenders and activists are essential. Political dialogue should be inclusive, encouraging multiparty engagement, parliamentary participation and a culture of debate and dissent.
Human rights must also be mainstreamed into development planning. National visions and five-year plans should explicitly integrate principles of equity, participation, and accountability. Finally, sustained investment in human rights education, from schools to community organisations, will cultivate awareness, empathy and civic responsibility, empowering citizens to participate actively in shaping a just society.
听
Towards renewed social contract
BANGLADESH鈥橲 human rights situation is one of dynamic tension. Development provides a strong foundation, but genuine progress demands that citizens鈥� voices are heard, dissent is protected and institutions are trusted. Stability must coexist with freedom and justice. A renewed social contract, balancing growth with rights, authority with accountability, and progress with participation is essential.
Ultimately, Bangladesh鈥檚 democratic maturity will be measured not by economic indicators alone, but by how it treats its people, the freedom to speak, organise and dream.
听
Musharraf Tansen is a development analyst and former country representative of the Malala Fund.
