JMBF says 187 children were arrested in Bangladesh between April and September 2026, raising concerns over political arrests and use of anti-terror laws…reports Asian Lite News Desk
An international rights organisation has condemned what it described as politically motivated and arbitrary arrests of children in Bangladesh, alleging that 187 minors were detained between April and September 2026. Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) said many of the children were arrested in connection with peaceful political activities linked to the Awami League.
In its latest report, JMBF said the arrests took place across Bangladesh between April 1 and September 30, after the newly formed BNP government came to power.
The organisation said the Anti-Terrorism Act was used in cases involving at least 127 of the arrested children, raising concerns over the application of stringent security legislation against minors.
May recorded the highest number of arrests, with 60 children detained, according to the report. JMBF documented 42 arrests in September, 38 in August, 32 in June, nine in April and six in July.
The rights organisation said 74 children were arrested in connection with peaceful political processions or flash marches supporting the Awami League. Another 57 were allegedly arrested over preparations for processions or other political activities.
Why is JMBF concerned about child arrests in Bangladesh?
JMBF said the use of laws including the Anti-Terrorism Act, Special Powers Act, Speedy Trial Act and Explosive Substances Act against children raised serious human rights concerns.
“Children’s political affiliation or peaceful expression of their views can never justify their arbitrary arrest or deprivation of liberty. The documented arrest of at least 187 children in six months, and the application of the Anti-Terrorism Act in the cases of 127 children, are deeply concerning. The State has a duty to ensure every child’s safety, dignity, continuity of education, and access to justice,” JMBF Founder President Shahanur Islam said.
The organisation argued that children involved in political activities should not be subjected to arbitrary detention or treated under laws designed to address serious security threats.
JMBF said the arrests could affect children’s safety, education and access to justice, and called for greater protection of minors involved in legal proceedings.
What has JMBF asked Bangladesh to do?
JMBF called on the Bangladesh government to immediately stop what it described as arbitrary arrests and detention of children based on political expression, affiliation or participation in peaceful processions, assemblies and political or social activities.
It urged authorities to promptly review cases involving children detained in such circumstances, release them and withdraw what it described as politically motivated allegations.
The organisation also called for an end to the use of the Anti-Terrorism Act and other stringent laws to criminalise children’s peaceful political activities.
JMBF said courts and authorities handling cases involving minors should give the highest priority to their age, best interests and child-sensitive procedures. It added that detention of children should be used only as a measure of last resort.
