Non-violence

These developments occur against a backdrop of worsening human rights under Taliban rule, including severe restrictions on women and girls, arbitrary detentions, and impunity for abuses.

The UN report, issued on January 13, finds that sexual violence was “part of a deliberate, widespread, and systemic pattern of violations” by state security forces, and “may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity.”

On January 9, 2026, Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), publicly voiced deep concerns about the country’s deteriorating security situation ahead of the polls, expressing dissatisfaction with the performance of law enforcement agencies.

International human rights organisations have urged Dhaka to adopt urgent measures to curb hate speech, bolster protections for journalists, and prosecute individuals involved in mob violence.

As national debates intensify, experts warn that Bangladesh risks facing a deeper social crisis if violence against women continues unchecked.

Those calling for reform are joined by civil society voices demanding international scrutiny. Some urge consumers abroad to avoid Burmese jade, pointing to its role in funding violence.

Human rights advocates warn against prematurely declaring victory: without transparency, there’s a risk that groups may operate below the threshold of legal recognition, or rebrand themselves in ways that evade enforcement. Others say that the success of anti-gang efforts must be measured not just in arrests, but in sustainable social reintegration of former gang members, especially youth.

Provincial leaders in Nepal have accused the interim government of Prime Minister Sushila Karki of sidelining them with a “unilateral” budget freeze, crippling preparations for crucial March elections.