Bangladesh's Jatiya Jubo-Shakti has condemned the reported detention of Indian YouTuber Dhruv Rathee, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) founder Abhijit Deepke and other youth activists, calling on Indian authorities to respect freedom of expression and peaceful protest.

In a statement, the organisation expressed solidarity with India's youth movement demanding democratic rights, electoral transparency and accountability.

It said criticism of government policies and peaceful protests against alleged irregularities were fundamental democratic rights.

Arrests, intimidation and the use of state power to suppress dissent undermine democracy and the rule of law, the organisation said.

Jatiya Jubo-Shakti demanded that Indian authorities disclose the legal grounds for the reported detentions and ensure the safety and legal rights of those held.

It also called for the unconditional release of anyone detained without lawful justification.

The organisation urged Indian authorities to end harassment of peaceful demonstrators and address their demands through dialogue and transparency.

Reaffirming its solidarity with Indian youth, Jatiya Jubo-Shakti said democracy was strengthened by protecting dissent and fundamental rights, not suppressing them.

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