Front Line Defenders Condemn Harassment of Shampa Goswami

The human rights organization Front Line Defenders accused Bangladeshi authorities of conducting a sustained campaign of stigmatization, harassment, and administrative obstruction against Shampa Goswami, a Hindu woman human rights defender and head of the organization PRERONA.

Authorities blocked Goswami from traveling to an international conference in Bali, Indonesia, on August 21 due to a travel ban. In response, Goswami filed a writ petition with the High Court of Bangladesh on September 20 to challenge the restrictions. On September 28, the Ministry of Home Affairs ordered the Inspector General of Police to investigate Goswami for alleged corruption and misuse of funds.

Front Line Defenders stated that the attacks are gendered and rooted in Goswami's minority identity, noting they occur within a wider context of violence against minorities in Bangladesh. The organization called for the immediate lifting of the travel ban and an impartial investigation into threats and extortion targeting Goswami and her staff.