December 2023

Since 28 October 2023, violent protests and clashes between law enforcers and protesters along with continued crackdown on opposition leaders and activists in Bangladesh have raised serious questions about democracy, equal opportunities, free expression, and a level playing field for political parties contesting the January 2024 elections. Incidents of alleged abduction, arbitrary arrests, unjust treatment of political activists and killings during the exercise of assembly and association rights have been reported. During the previous elections in 2014 and 2018, the international community witnessed what appeared to be free and fair elections in the country. However, questions from political forces and election observer regarding election fraud, rigging, disfranchise, and restrictions on campaigning and free expression went unanswered. While we appreciate the government’s desire to conduct free and fair election on January 7, 2024, the claim lacks true intentions in both letter and spirit. Reports indicate that around 20,000 individuals are arrested, number of leaders and activists were allegedly disappeared and killed, hundreds are injured belonging to the opposition parties and family members are arrested in the absence of the targeted individuals. There are also accusations of sneak attacks by masked men and looting of houses of the opposition activists. We believe that these actions are contrary to democratic values, principles, and international human rights law. The current Prime Minister of Bangladesh states that the Election Commission (EC) is independent in its actions; therefore, the EC must demonstrate this independence. As an independent and neutral body, the EC should bridge the gap between the ruling and opposition parties, facilitating peaceful, free, fair, participatory and inclusive elections in January 2024. Ensuring the trust of voters in the country’s political system is crucial, and the Election Commission of Bangladesh can play a pivotal role in demonstrating that it is not favoring any particular party but ensuring a level playing field for all. As the South Asia Youth Network (SAYN), we urge the Election Commission and the government of Bangladesh to consider the following recommendations: 1. Take action to end the crackdown against political opposition and civil society, taking steps to ensure that the upcoming elections are conducted in a secure and peaceful environment. 2. Respect and promote political plurality and the expression of diverse views while upholding fundamental rights and freedoms, including the right to assembly, association, and expression. 3. Facilitate dialogue between political parties to foster a more inclusive political environment. 4. The Election Commission should address the use of state apparatus against opposition parties and civil society organizations. 5. Lastly, we emphasize the importance of the youth, constituting more than 34 percent of the total population. We urge all stakeholders and the international community to uphold fundamental freedoms and protect the future of the country. Yours’ Sincerely, Anthony Vinoth Convener South Asia Youth Network (SAYN) Email: [email protected]

The discussion with the community on rights specially the engagements that they can do with state mechanisms to benefit and to ensure Justice mechanisms being made known to all without any partiality… SDF had been committed for the cause and have been active in the district in promoting and protecting human rights and democracy as an independent civil organization… Hiroshan Lakshan Attorney-at-Law, Achala Piyumantha Director of SDF Anthony Vinoth from HRH felicitated the discussion and conducted the awareness raising session…

The members of Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN), Community Development Foundation (CDF) along with the support of Human Rights Hub (HRH) organized a awareness raising for the key members of CDF at Maradankadawala, Anuradhapura District… The learnings and experiences of the members of the CDF have been much more enriching and been a source of strength to the SLDN as there are large number of women community leaders doing wonderful social work and service… The Coordinating Secretary of CDF (Maradankadawala) Mr. Rasik and Executive Director of HRH Mr. Anthony Vinoth conducted the training along with a discussion…

On December 1st, Awareness Raising program was organized by Community Development Foundation (CDF) along with Human Rights Hub (HRH) and Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN) to make the children who are above 15 years of age on the rights and ok to be more safe on online platforms to create a empowered peaceful society in future… 110 students in the Navalar College at Hapugastenna Estate in Ratnapura District have been enriched with the program and have been vibrant with their participation…

A discussion held in Nailiya, Kurunegala with the affected community on several factors from Anuradhapura, Galle, Kandy, Kurunegala represented and an initial interactions on human rights mechanisms followed with the aid actions to the rights violations have been further discussed… Human Rights Hub (HRH) along with Social Integration Development Institute (SIDI) organized the discussion… Ms. Chandani Dissanayake the Director of SIDI along with Mr. Sunil S. Pallandeniya (Journalist) joined the Discussion led by Anthony Vinoth the Executive Director of Human Rights Hub (HRH) The members of Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN) has jointly organized the Discussion in Kurunegala District.

Along with it a discussion on gender-based-violence was initiated to create an awareness among the community… Pocket discussions contributed for the better understanding of the challenges faced by the community… Human Rights Hub (HRH) along Success for Life (S4L) and Sri Lanka Democracy Network (SLDN) organized the event…