(Bangkok/Kathmandu, 14 June 2022) — The Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemns the arbitrary deregistration of Odhikar by the NGO Affairs Bureau (NGOAB) of Bangladesh. Odhikar, a prominent human rights organisation in Bangladesh and a member of FORUM-ASIA, had applied for renewal[1] of its registration to the NGOAB in 2014, as mandated […]

CIVICUS: World Alliance for Citizen Participation and the Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) are extremely alarmed by the decision of the government to arbitrarily revoke the registration of Odhikar, a leading human rights organisation in Bangladesh. This move is another blow to civil society and human rights defenders who have been facing systematic repression by […]

Delivered by Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights: Ravina Shamdasani Location Geneva We are concerned by the Government of Bangladesh’s decision not to approve the renewal of registration for Odhikar, a prominent and respected human rights organisation in the country. The decision follows repeated accusations by the authorities against Odhikar for “spreading […]

Deregistration of Bangladeshi organization Odhikar is part of pattern of curbs on rights groups June 9, 2022 Statement Bangladeshi authorities should immediately reverse their decision to deregister prominent human rights organization, Odhikar, eleven organizations said today. Human rights defenders should be allowed to conduct their work without fear of reprisals, intimidation, and harassment from the […]

Join the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances in condemning the arbitrary cancellation of Odhikar’s registration by the Bangladesh Government. Odhikar and other human rights organizations in Asia should be allowed to function independently and their freedom of association must be protected. The Bangladesh government must reconsider this decision and renew the registration of Odhikar. Report […]