Dhaka, November 11, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Amnesty International on Wednesday urged the Bangladeshi authorities to immediately drop sedition charges against Hindu woman rights activist Shampa Goswami, expressing concern over what it described as a wider campaign of intimidation against her.
Goswami, Executive Director of Prerna, a women’s organisation based in Bangladesh’s Satkhira district, was named in a sedition case filed in September over allegations of involvement in anti-government activities and conspiring to overthrow the government. The charges carry a possible life sentence.
Amnesty noted that Goswami was recently granted anticipatory bail for eight weeks but said the relief provides only temporary protection from arrest, while the case and alleged intimidation continue.
“The reprisal against Goswami extends beyond the criminal case. She has faced surveillance, intimidation and harassment of her family. On 21 August, authorities stopped her at the airport as she attempted to travel to Indonesia to attend an international conference. A travel restriction continues to prevent her from traveling abroad,” the rights organisation said.
It also raised concerns over administrative delays affecting Prerna, which Goswami has led since its establishment in 2006. The organisation works on women’s rights, education, health and economic empowerment, particularly among marginalised communities. Amnesty said delays in project approvals were obstructing its work despite the submission of required documents.
The rights body called on the authorities to end harassment and intimidation against Goswami and her family, lift the travel restriction and ensure that Prerna can continue its work without obstruction or reprisals.
“Defending human rights is not a crime,” Amnesty said.
The case has also drawn concern from other rights groups in Bangladesh. Last week, the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) urged the authorities to protect Goswami’s safety and her right to carry out legitimate human rights activities without fear. It also called for protection of her family and people associated with Prerna against intimidation and harassment, The Daily Star reported.
HRFB is a coalition of 20 human rights and development organisations, including Ain o Salish Kendra, Manusher Jonno Foundation, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Transparency International Bangladesh.
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