In a disturbing revelation, a purported human rights organization known as the SAARC Human Rights Foundation is under scrutiny for allegedly being funded by the Bangladesh government to cover up its crimes and human rights violations. The utilization of the term “SAARC” in the organization’s name has raised ethical concerns, as it may mislead observers into believing it is affiliated with the official South Asian Regional Cooperation Organization.
The SAARC Human Rights Foundation was introduced to the public on February 8, 2015, during a press conference held in the VIP lounge of the National Press Club of Bangladesh. However, subsequent events have raised suspicions about its credibility and intentions. Reports indicate that the organization has been involved in various criminal activities since its inception, drawing further attention to its questionable practices.
During the 2018 national parliament election, foreign observers rejected the legitimacy of the electoral process in Bangladesh, citing irregularities and illegal organizing. In an attempt to validate the contested election, the SAARC Human Rights Foundation purportedly recognized select foreign individuals as observers. This move not only failed to legitimize the election in the eyes of the international community but also intensified skepticism surrounding the organization’s integrity.
On December 2, 2021, Mani Ratna Sharma, the Director (Administration) of the official South Asian Regional Cooperation Organization “SAARC,” urgently requested the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh to take immediate measures to prevent the unauthorized use of SAARC’s logo and name by the alleged SAARC Human Rights Foundation. Furthermore, the SAARC Secretariat explicitly conveyed to the Bangladesh government through a direct letter that it does not recognize any such entity and has not granted it any affiliation.
Despite these explicit warnings, the Bangladesh government has continued to lend its support to the alleged SAARC Human Rights Foundation. Government ministers and Members of Parliament (MPs) have been seen actively participating in various events hosted by the organization and disseminating misleading information. These actions have led to the perception that the organization is effectively acting as a mouthpiece for the government, downplaying its human rights violations as commendable efforts.
This alleged SAARC Human Rights Foundation’s activities have drawn widespread concern from global leaders, both domestic and foreign human rights organizations, as well as the South Asian Regional Cooperation Organization “SAARC” and the United Nations. They are urging for swift measures to curtail the organization’s operations and prevent any further potential harm to human rights in Bangladesh.
Furthermore, another organization known as the Election Monitoring Forum has come to light. Launched on July 24, the organization’s Chairman, Mohammad Abed Ali, announced a 6-member delegation from the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland, South Korea, Japan, and China, who will serve as international observers for the upcoming 12th National Assembly elections in Bangladesh. However, the organization’s association with the alleged SAARC Human Rights Foundation has raised suspicions about its independence and true intent.
As concerns mount among foreign diplomats regarding the state of elections and human rights in Bangladesh, the role of the Election Monitoring Forum, supposedly operating under the guise of the SAARC Human Rights Foundation, is being closely monitored.
In response to these developments, human rights organizations, SAARC, the United Nations, and global leaders are being called upon to act decisively and promptly to investigate the alleged SAARC Human Rights Foundation’s activities and ensure that genuine human rights advocacy and monitoring prevail in Bangladesh. Protecting human rights and ensuring transparent and credible democratic processes must remain paramount, and concerted international efforts are essential to achieve these goals.
