Implications of Anti-Terrorism Laws on Civil Liberties: A Human Rights Perspective in Bangladesh

With the escalation of terrorism around the world, stringent anti-terrorism laws are materializing, which bear heavy civil rights costs. This work investigates the consequences of anti-terrorism legislation on civil liberties in Bangladesh, a country that has been facing terrorist attacks for decades. Analysis shows that although anti-terrorism legislation is essential to secure national security, it has been turned to penalize political opponents, journalists, and human rights defenders for violating their right to freedom of expression, privacy, and a fair hearing. Analysis of the research shows that potential reconsiderations are needed to address the challenge of reconciliation of national security with civil liberties and that anti-terrorist measures must comply with the human rights instrument. In addition, it contends that Bangladesh's anti-terrorism legislation needs to be reformed to disable its potential for fraud, provide for proper responsibility, and safeguard the rights of Bangladeshi people. The study's results have important policy implications for national and community policymakers, law enforcement officers, and proponents of human rights in Bangladesh and other countries.