Bangladesh under interim leader Muhammad Yunus is facing growing scrutiny. Human Rights Watch (HRW) an NGO known for its controversial truth to power stances, warns of ongoing security force abuses similar to those seen under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

While the rights organisation acknowledges the positive steps taken by the new administration, including an end to extrajudicial killings and politically motivated cases, its latest report raises concerns about emerging patterns of repression—this time targeting Hasina’s supporters.

HRW’s findings suggest that mass police complaints against opposition figures, arbitrary detentions, and crackdowns on journalists have become more common, echoing tactics used by the previous government. More than 1,000 cases have reportedly been filed against tens of thousands of people linked to the Awami League since Hasina’s removal in August 2024, often on vague or sweeping charges such as corruption and murder.

Yunus’ administration, which took power after months of political turmoil and violent protests that left nearly 1,000 people dead, has prioritised institutional reform. The upcoming February commission, tasked with overhauling the electoral and justice systems, is expected to lay the foundation for future democratic stability.

However, HRW’s findings indicate that while the government is taking steps toward accountability, the legal process risks being weaponised against Hasina’s former allies, undermining its own democratic goals. Bangladesh’s political landscape has long been characterised by deep polarisation, and critics of HRW argue that its report overlooks key complexities especially when it comes to the conduct of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Awami League party.

Hasina, who ruled for 15 years through increasingly controversial elections, faced widespread accusations of suppressing dissent, controlling the judiciary, and using security forces to silence opponents. While the new government’s actions have raised concerns, supporters argue they are a necessary counterbalance to the entrenched influence of the previous regime.

HRW’s work has also been criticised internationally, with multiple governments—most notably India—accusing the organisation of destabilising narratives that risk undermining internal security.

New Delhi has previously rejected HRW’s claims about alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and the treatment of minorities, arguing that the NGO selectively amplifies certain issues while downplaying others. China and Russia have also dismissed its reports as politically motivated.

Despite these criticisms, HRW’s findings on Bangladesh highlight a significant challenge for the interim leadership. The country’s fragile transition away from autocracy requires not just reform but also a credible commitment to justice that avoids the perception of political revenge. International observers, including UN human rights bodies, have urged Dhaka to seek external oversight to prevent abuses and ensure due process.

Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate known for his work in microfinance, has pledged to steer the country towards free and fair elections. However, with pressure mounting from both human rights advocates and political factions, his administration faces the delicate task of dismantling an authoritarian legacy without replicating its tactics. Bangladesh’s path to democracy remains uncertain, but its handling of these early challenges will shape the country’s political trajectory for years to come.