drpw.org Cover of the report on the reported arrest of 134 Members of Parliament in Bangladesh
An updated report documents the reported arrest and detention of 134 elected Members of Parliament in Bangladesh between 9 August 2024 and 2 October 2026. It examines how the arrests were carried out, what followed in court and in custody, and what they mean for due process and the rule of law.
Key figures
As stated in the report:
- 134 Members of Parliament reportedly arrested
- 17 women MPs among them
- 13 listed as on temporary bail
- 4 deaths reported: two in prison and two after release on bail
What the report covers
The report lists each MP with name, date of arrest, designation, constituency and number of terms served, along with a photo and a news link or QR code pointing to source material. It places the arrests within what it describes as a wider environment of restricted political participation.
Concerns raised
- Arrests allegedly made without warrants, or without specific charges communicated at the time
- Repeated denial of bail to many detained MPs
- Alleged mistreatment in custody and attacks at court premises
- Alleged obstruction of access to defence counsel, and intimidation of lawyers
- High Court Division bail orders reportedly stayed by the Appellate Division
- Allegations that people due for release were “shown arrested” in additional cases
- Remand hearings reportedly held without defence lawyers able to take part
Due process and international standards
The report argues that any current or former MP against whom credible evidence of a crime exists should be investigated and tried before an independent and impartial court, with full respect for the presumption of innocence, access to legal counsel and the right to seek bail. It points to Article 9 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), which protects liberty and security of person and prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention.
Calls for action
The report calls on United Nations human rights mechanisms and international human rights organisations to examine the arrest, detention and treatment of current and former MPs. It urges the authorities to ensure that every arrest, remand, bail hearing and prosecution complies with Bangladesh’s Constitution, its laws and its international human rights obligations.
Read the Full Report
Read the complete GCDG publication directly below, open the report in a separate window, or download the PDF for offline reading.
Report details
- Title: Over 100 MPs Arrested in Bangladesh: By the Interim and Current Government to Score Political Vengeance
- Prepared and published by: Global Center for Democratic Governance (GCDG)
- Reporting period: 9 August 2024 – 2 October 2026
- First published: 2 July 2025
- Latest revision: 6 October 2026
The findings, allegations and opinions in this report are those of its publisher.
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