Human rights organisation Odhikar has accused law enforcement and intelligence agencies of failing to take effective action against attempts by what it described as fascist elements to create anarchy across the country. The organisation has urged the government to bring those responsible under the law and take immediate steps to ensure public safety.

Odhikar made the demand in a statement issued on Thursday (November 12), expressing concern over the prevailing situation in the country and a series of recent incidents of violence and arson.

In its statement, the organisation said law enforcement and intelligence agencies had failed to respond effectively to attempts to create instability. It called on the government to take appropriate measures to identify those involved in the incidents and ensure their accountability under the law.

Referring to the recent unrest in different parts of the country, Odhikar said a series of cocktail explosions and arson attacks had taken place in Dhaka and other areas over the past week. The incidents reportedly occurred around the nationwide general strike announced by the activities-banned Bangladesh Chhatra League, an affiliated organisation of the former ruling Awami League, on November 10.

According to the statement, buses, police vehicles and various establishments were targeted in arson attacks. An Awami League leader was also killed in Dhaka at night.

Odhikar further highlighted an attack on the village home of National Citizen Party (NCP) Joint Convener and Member of Parliament Nusrat Tabassum in Daulatpur, Kushtia. On the night of November 11, petrol bombs were allegedly thrown at the house, followed by arson. Members of her family were also reportedly subjected to an attempt to burn them alive.

The organisation recalled that Nusrat Tabassum had played an active role in the 2024 anti-discrimination student movement. During that period, she was detained by the police's intelligence agency, according to the statement.

Odhikar also reported threats against Dr Shah Alam, Deputy Chairman of Grameen Bank, as well as its Vice-Chairman and a board member. Grameen Bank was described in the statement as an institution envisioned by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus.

The human rights organisation also referred to the alleged human rights violations during the 15-and-a-half-year rule of the former Awami League government. It accused the party of suppressing voting rights, enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture and other forms of repression against opposition leaders, activists and people holding different opinions.

Odhikar further alleged that human rights defenders were imprisoned and hacking networks were used during that period. It said the Awami League's fall followed the controversial 2014 election, while the BNP subsequently came to power through an election held under the interim government.

Meanwhile, judicial proceedings are currently underway at the International Crimes Tribunal against former Awami League leaders and organisers over allegations of enforced disappearances, indiscriminate killings, extrajudicial executions, torture and other crimes against humanity.

Against this backdrop, Odhikar expressed concern that the ousted and fugitive political group was allegedly attempting to spread violence across the country. The organisation called for stronger government action to prevent further unrest and protect public security.