In a recent  statement issued on 24 January, the United Nations called on the Bangladesh government to "‘immediately and unconditionally release all civil society and political activists detained without charge or on charges inconsistent with international human rights law."

The UN experts expressed alarm over reports of widespread attacks, harassment, and intimidation directed at civil society, human rights defenders, journalists, and political activists during the recent elections. Before the elections, approximately 25,000 opposition leaders and supporters were reportedly arrested, with 56 people losing their lives in election-related violence. 

"We are alarmed by the dangerous decline of human rights, fundamental freedoms, and the rule of law in Bangladesh, eroding public trust in state institutions. This is also tarnishing the country’s image and could endanger its social and economic development," the experts said.

The statement was published on 25 January 2024 on their official website. The United Nations human rights experts made four calls to the Bangladesh government :

1. Immediately and unconditionally release all civil society and political activists detained without charge or on charges inconsistent with international human rights law; and ensure fair public trials in accordance with international human rights standards for those charged with criminal offences.
2. Institute urgent and substantial reforms to guarantee the integrity and independence of the judicial system.
3. Guarantee the free and unobstructed exercise of freedom of expression, association and peaceful assembly, refrain from imposing undue restrictions on protests and political rallies, and ensure effective accountability for serious violations of these fundamental freedoms.
4. Respect the independence, freedom, diversity, and pluralism of the media, and ensure the safety of journalists from threats, physical and online violence, or judicial harassment and criminal prosecution for investigative and critical reporting.