134 MPs Got Arrested in Bangladesh by the Interim and Current Government to Score Political Vengeance

Overview of the Report

The publication, Over 100 MPs Arrested in Bangladesh: By the Interim and Current Government to Score Political Vengeance, presents a documented list of elected Members of Parliament reportedly arrested in Bangladesh from August 2024 through October 2026.

According to the report, many of those detained were allegedly arrested without warrants or without specific charges being communicated at the time of arrest. The publication also raises concerns regarding repeated denial of bail, access to defence counsel, treatment in custody and procedural safeguards during criminal proceedings.

Arrests and Detention

The report records the names, arrest dates, constituencies and other relevant information relating to the MPs included in the publication. It also provides supporting news references and QR codes linking to source material for individual entries.

The documented cases include former ministers, state ministers, parliamentary office-holders, veteran freedom fighters and other elected representatives from constituencies across Bangladesh.

Key Concerns Raised in the Report

The publication identifies a number of concerns relating to the arrest, detention and legal treatment of current and former Members of Parliament.

• Alleged arrests without warrants or without specific charges being communicated at the time of arrest.
• Repeated denial of bail to a number of detained MPs.
• Allegations of mistreatment and physical attacks on detainees in custody and at court premises.
• Concerns regarding obstruction of access to defence counsel.
• Allegations of intimidation and pressure directed at lawyers representing detained MPs.
• Cases in which bail granted by the High Court Division was subsequently stayed by the Appellate Division.
• Allegations that individuals due to be released following bail orders were immediately shown arrested in additional cases, prolonging their detention.
• Concerns regarding remand proceedings in which defence lawyers were reportedly absent or unable to participate effectively.

Deaths and Detention-Related Concerns

The report states that two detained MPs, both veteran freedom fighters and former ministers, died while in prison amid allegations concerning inadequate medical attention and severe psychological distress.

It further states that two additional MPs died after being granted bail following prolonged periods of imprisonment.

These cases have raised concerns regarding detention conditions, access to appropriate medical treatment and the physical and psychological consequences of prolonged incarceration.

Due Process and Access to Justice

The report raises broader concerns regarding judicial independence, equality before the law, due process and the ability of detainees to obtain effective legal remedies.

International Human Rights Standards

The publication refers to Bangladesh’s obligations under Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects the right to liberty and security of person and prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention.

It also highlights the relevance of the right to a fair hearing and other fundamental procedural safeguards recognised under international human rights law.

Call for International Attention

The Global Center for Democratic Governance calls upon United Nations human rights mechanisms and relevant international human rights organisations to closely examine the arrest, detention and treatment of current and former Members of Parliament in Bangladesh.

GCDG further calls for the fundamental legal and human rights of detainees to be respected and for every arrest, detention, remand, bail proceeding and criminal prosecution to comply fully with the Constitution and laws of Bangladesh and the country’s international human rights obligations.