Bangladesh rights group JMBF condemns the alleged politically motivated arrest of 187 children between April and September 2026, including 127 cases under the Anti-Terrorism Act, and urges authorities to release minors and protect their rights.
Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF), an international human rights organisation, has condemned what it described as a disturbing pattern of politically motivated and arbitrary arrests of children in Bangladesh. According to its latest report, 187 minors were allegedly taken into custody across the country between April 1 and September 30, 2026, in connection with political expression and activities associated with the Awami League.
The rights organisation said the arrests raise serious concerns about the treatment of children and the use of stringent criminal laws against minors. JMBF reported that the Anti-Terrorism Act was applied in at least 127 of the cases involving arrested children.
According to the report, May recorded the highest number of child arrests during the six-month period, with 60 cases documented. September followed with 42 arrests, while 38 children were reportedly arrested in August. The organisation recorded 32 arrests in June, nine in April and six in July.
JMBF said 74 children were arrested in connection with peaceful political processions or flash marches allegedly held in support of the Awami League. Another 57 children were reportedly arrested in incidents involving preparations for processions or other political activities.
The organisation argued that a child’s political affiliation or peaceful expression of political views should not be used as grounds for arbitrary detention. It also expressed concern over the reported application of several stringent laws, including the Anti-Terrorism Act, Special Powers Act, Speedy Trial Act and Explosive Substances Act, in cases involving minors.
“Children’s political affiliation or peaceful expression of their views can never justify their arbitrary arrest or deprivation of liberty,” JMBF Founder President Shahanur Islam said. He described the reported arrest of at least 187 children within six months, along with the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act against 127 children, as deeply concerning.
Islam stressed that the state has a responsibility to protect children’s safety and dignity while ensuring their education continues and that they have access to justice. The organisation said children involved in political or social activities must be treated in accordance with their age and specific legal protections.
JMBF called on the Bangladesh government to immediately end what it termed arbitrary arrests and detention of children based on political expression, political affiliation or participation in peaceful processions, assemblies and other political or social activities.
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The organisation further urged authorities to conduct a prompt review of cases involving children detained in such circumstances. It called for the release of the affected minors and the withdrawal of what it described as politically motivated allegations.
JMBF also demanded an end to the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act and other stringent special laws to criminalise children’s peaceful political activities. It said that in every legal proceeding involving minors, their age, best interests and access to child-sensitive judicial procedures must receive the highest priority.
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The rights body emphasised that detention of children should be considered only as a measure of last resort. It said authorities must ensure that children’s fundamental rights, education, dignity and welfare remain protected regardless of their political background or affiliations.
The report comes amid continuing political tensions in Bangladesh and highlights concerns raised by the rights organisation over the treatment of minors in cases linked to political activities.
