Speaking at the General Debate under Item 3, Asad Noor, a Bangladeshi blogger and human rights advocate, highlighted the worrying trends in Bangladesh as outlined in the OHCHR Report, which noted a rise in attacks against minorities following the 2024 protests. Noor shared his own experience, stating that he was forced to flee Bangladesh after facing both state persecution and threats from religious extremists. He recalled the targeted campaign against secular bloggers and publishers, which had resulted in harassment and killings.
Noor also addressed recent proposals from Bangladesh’s Constitutional Reform Committee, which advocated for the retention of Islam as the state religion. He condemned the proposals as inherently discriminatory, arguing that such an approach not only grants religious privilege but also fuels extremism, hate, and violence.
Drawing attention to the Report of the previous Special Rapporteur on Freedom of Religion or Belief, Noor emphasized that states with entanglement between religion and government are most likely to see violations of human rights, including interference with access to education, women’s rights, and freedom of expression.
This statement followed that given at the 57th Session of the Human Rights Council by Tutul Chowdhury, on behalf of Humanists International. That statement called for protections for the right to freedom of religion or belief in the wake of protests which led to a change in Government in Bangladesh.
Featured photo from Nahmad Hassan on Pexels
Together we can do even more to promote humanist values and defend human rights. Join Humanists International as a Member Organization or become an individual supporter in your own right.