Amnesty calls on Bangladesh to drop sedition charges against Shampa Goswami
Amnesty International has called on the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately withdraw sedition charges against Shampa Goswami, executive director of women-led organisation Prerona, who faces a possible life sentence over allegations of making provocative remarks against the government.
In a statement issued by its South Asia Regional Office on Wednesday, the international human rights organisation said Goswami received eight weeks of anticipatory bail last week. However, it warned that the charges and continued intimidation against her remain a concern.
According to Amnesty, police filed a sedition case against Goswami on September 29 under Section 124A of the Penal Code. The First Information Report (FIR) alleges that she made provocative remarks against the government during a gathering at Prerona's office on August 14. She came to know about the charges on October 9.
Amnesty noted that sedition is a non-bailable offence in Bangladesh and carries a possible life sentence.
The organisation also raised concerns over alleged surveillance, intimidation and harassment of Goswami's family. On August 21, authorities reportedly stopped her at the airport while she was attempting to travel to Indonesia to attend an international conference. A travel restriction remains in place, preventing her from travelling abroad.
The pressure has also affected Prerona, which Goswami has led since its establishment in 2006. The organisation works on women's rights, education, healthcare and economic empowerment, particularly among marginalised communities.
Amnesty said Prerona has continued to face delays in obtaining administrative approvals for its projects despite submitting the required documents, obstructing its activities.
The organisation urged the authorities to drop all charges against Goswami, end harassment and intimidation targeting her and her family, and lift the travel restriction. It also called on the government to ensure that Prerona can continue its work without obstruction or reprisals.