Human Rights Watch (HRW) highlighted ongoing challenges in human rights protections under Bangladesh's interim government, led by Mohammed Yunus. A year after the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina's administration, the organization expressed concerns over insufficient progress on human rights issues.

Despite ending some abuses synonymous with the previous regime, the new government has been involved in arbitrary detentions of political opponents and has not implemented crucial reforms in the security and judicial sectors. HRW's Deputy Asia Director, Meenakshi Ganguly, criticized the government for balancing between an unreformed security sector, religious hardliners, and politically motivated groups.

Recent clashes involving security forces and supporters of the former Prime Minister resulted in fatalities, underscoring the volatile political environment. Moreover, the interim government faces accusations of denying medical care and bail to detained former state officials, with many detentions appearing politically motivated.

HRW also criticized the government's failure to thoroughly investigate enforced disappearances that occurred during Hasina's tenure, despite Bangladesh's ratification of the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance. Allegations suggest that security forces destroyed evidence, impeding accountability for past abuses.

The call for international support was emphasized, urging foreign governments and the UN to aid the interim government during this critical transitional phase. HRW's recommendations include ending arbitrary detentions, prosecuting those responsible for serious crimes, and implementing legal and constitutional reforms in the judicial and security sectors.

The interim government, established in August 2024 after mass protests against Hasina's rule, was tasked with implementing reforms necessary for conducting fair elections by June 2026. However, it continues to face scrutiny over human rights violations. Earlier this year, attacks on journalists and restrictions on freedom of expression were condemned by international human rights bodies, urging immediate action to uphold constitutional rights during the country's political transition.