Dhaka, Jan. 28 -- As Bangladesh prepares for national elections scheduled for Feb 12, Amnesty International has urged the interim government led by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus to place human rights, rule of law and accountability at the centre of the electoral process.

In an open letter, the global human rights organisation described the pre-election period as a "pivotal moment" for the country -- one that presents an opportunity to "restore public trust, strengthen governance and ensure full respect for human rights and the rule of law".

Amnesty said Bangladesh has, under successive governments, witnessed serious and persistent violations, including enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, arbitrary detention, torture, and res...