CIVICUS and Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) have expressed concern over revoking the registration of Odhikar, a leading human rights organisation.
The decision to not renew the registration stemmed from an unproven allegation that the organisation published misleading information about rights violations and extrajudicial killings, which tarnished the government's reputation, reads a statement.
The NGO Affairs Bureau canceled Odhikar's request to renew its registration on June 5. "This cancellation is another shameful stain to the already appalling human rights record of Bangladesh."
It sends a chilling message that civil society groups and rights defenders who speak up on rights issues will be intimidated and silenced.
Government must reverse the decision and take steps to create an enabling environment for civil society to undertake work without reprisals.
