Dhaka, November 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Human rights organisations in Bangladesh have raised concerns over the safety of Hindu women’s rights activist Shampa Goswami, who is facing a sedition case, amid allegations of police surveillance and harassment of her family.
Goswami is the executive director of Prerona Nari Unnayan Sangathan, a women’s rights organisation based in Satkhira district.
In a statement on Monday, the Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) urged authorities to protect her right to carry out legitimate human rights activities without fear and ensure that her family and colleagues are not subjected to intimidation, harassment or reprisals, The Daily Star reported.
According to HRFB, a sedition case was registered against Goswami at Shyamnagar Police Station in Satkhira on September 29. She has alleged that police personnel are monitoring her residence and organisation’s office and harassing her family members.
The forum, a coalition of 20 human rights and development organisations, said the allegations of surveillance and harassment warranted serious attention. It also called for an examination of the legal basis and credibility of the charges and an impartial investigation into the allegations raised by Goswami.
Last month, Ireland-based rights group Front Line Defenders (FLD) also expressed concern over alleged targeted attacks against Goswami, saying the harassment was linked to her gender and minority identity amid wider concerns over violence and discrimination against Hindu minorities in Bangladesh.
FLD also flagged a travel ban imposed on Goswami and a police investigation ordered by Bangladesh’s Ministry of Home Affairs. It described the measures as part of a “sustained campaign of stigmatisation, harassment and administrative obstruction” against the activist, her family and her organisation.
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