Right to Freedom (R2F), a US-bansed rghtss body, has actively supported Bangladesh civil society organisations and young activists who played a key role in the 5 August Student Uprising—a movement that ultimately led to the downfall of a regime whose mismanagement had forced Bangladesh to seek assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
Bangladesh has been undergoing a profound democratic transition following years of systemic corruption, political repression, and economic mismanagement under the previous regime. The country’s human rights landscape was marred by enforced disappearances, suppression of dissent, and widespread electoral fraud, leading to growing unrest.
This frustration culminated in the 5 August Student Uprising, a mass movement that played a pivotal role in dismantling the kleptocratic establishment and paving the way for democratic reforms.
The uprising, driven by students, civil society, and professionals, called for the restoration of democratic institutions, accountability for stolen public funds, and justice for victims of state repression.
Amidst this transformation, former US diplomats William B. Milam and Jon Danilowicz met with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser, Professor Muhammad Yunus, in Dhaka on Thursday, reaffirming their unwavering commitment to democracy, human rights, and economic development. Representing the US-based human rights organisation Right to Freedom, the two diplomats provided updates on their organisation’s work in Bangladesh and outlined plans to expand initiatives supporting the nation’s democratic transition.
Jon Danilowicz, a former Deputy US Ambassador to Dhaka, has been a strong advocate for democratic governance and economic reforms in Bangladesh. His efforts, both as a diplomat and as a civil society leader, have been instrumental in raising global awareness of the systemic corruption and human rights violations that plagued the previous regime.
During the meeting, Ambassador Milam praised the Interim Government for taking the opportunity to implement long-overdue reforms. He remarked that the collapse of the previous administration had created a crucial chance to dismantle entrenched kleptocratic networks and replace them with institutions that uphold democratic principles and good governance.
Danilowicz, meanwhile, highlighted the urgent need to combat disinformation and fake news, which the previous regime had used as a tool to suppress dissent and maintain its hold on power. He called for a unified effort to promote positive narratives about Bangladesh’s democratic transition and economic resilience.
Discussions also addressed key challenges facing Bangladesh, including the Rohingya refugee crisis, the recovery of stolen public funds, and regional cooperation through the revitalisation of SAARC. Additionally, they deliberated on the forthcoming national elections and the proposed July Charter, expected to serve as a roadmap for democratic reforms. Professor Yunus confirmed that elections could take place as early as December, provided political parties reached a consensus on key reforms, or by June of the following year.
The meeting between the Chief Adviser and the two US diplomats underscored the strong partnership between Bangladesh and the international community in fostering democracy, human rights, and economic recovery. Danilowicz’s continued advocacy, along with the work of Right to Freedom, is expected to play a crucial role in ensuring that Bangladesh’s transition remains on course, offering a model for other nations confronting authoritarianism and corruption.
