CIVICUS, a global civil society alliance, Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) and Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) are gravely concerned about the use of disproportionate force during demonstrations led by the main opposition party in Dhaka on 28 October 2023. Our organisations call for an independent and impartial investigation into the violations [ Read more ]

BANGLADESH: Civil society organisations come together to demand the release of Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan On 3 October 2023, civil society organisations (CSOs) working across different parts of Asia joined forces to call for the immediate release of Bangladeshi human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and Nasiruddin Elan. Khan and Elan are part [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 18 September 2023) The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)–alongside its member organisations–expresses its unwavering solidarity for prominent Bangladeshi human rights defenders, Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan. We are deeply concerned over their recent conviction to two years in prison, along with a fine, by the Dhaka Cyber Tribunal. Adil [ Read more ]

Bangladesh: Quash conviction and release rights defenders Leaders of Prominent Rights Group Convicted on Trumped-Up Charges (September 14, 2023) Bangladesh authorities should immediately release human rights defenders Adilur Rahman Khan and ASM Nasiruddin Elan, quash their convictions, and  end all reprisals against them for their legitimate human rights work, said 72 organizations today. Khan and [ Read more ]

(Kathmandu, 4 August 2023) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) expresses deep concern over the systematic repression against protesting opposition political parties in Bangladesh. We call upon the authorities to immediately cease such violence and uphold the people’s right to peaceful assembly and the principles of democracy, ensuring that the country’s [ Read more ]

Melbourne/ Hong Kong/ Manila/ Kuala Lumpur/ Bangkok/ Dhaka/ Geneva/ Paris/ London/ Washington, D.C.; 25 May 2023: We, the undersigned organisations, are seriously concerned over the unabated enforced disappearances in Bangladesh amid the denial of access to justice for the victims. We also express our deep concern regarding the plight of the victims’ families, lack of [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu – 19 December 2022) – The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) is gravely concerned about crackdowns against opposition political parties by the government of Bangladesh as the country prepares for its 2023 national elections. The Bangladeshi government has intensified their crackdown on opposition parties, specifically the largest opposition group, Bangladesh Nationalist [ Read more ]

Kuala Lumpur/ Hong Kong/ Manila/ Bangkok/ Paris/Dhaka /Geneva /Johannesburg /Washington DC, 09 December 2022: The undersigned human rights organisations commemorate all victims of human rights violations and stand in solidarity with the victims’ families in Bangladesh and across the world. This year’s International Human Rights Day’s slogan is “Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for All”. International [ Read more ]

51st regular session of the UN Human Rights Council Item 2: General debate on the oral update by the High Commissioner   Delivered by Ahmed Adam On behalf of Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA)  14 September 2022     Mr. Vice President, We welcome the Acting High Commissioner’s update and congratulate Mr. [ Read more ]

(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 14 September 2022) ‒ Bangladeshi authorities should put an immediate end to the continuous judicial harassment against human rights organisation Odhikar, and its leadership and staff. The government must urgently take the necessary steps towards creating an enabling environment for civil society and human rights defenders to work without fear of reprisals, said the [ Read more ]