Dhaka, Dec. 10 -- The International Bar Association's Human Rights Institute (IBAHRI) has expressed concern over the trials of Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina and her niece Tulip Siddiq.

The IBAHRI, in a statement, urged the interim government, led by Muhammad Yunus, to ensure accountability for past violations through independent and impartial investigations and credible proceedings.

"However, recent trials that appear to fall short of recognised legal standards signal democratic backsliding and highlight a justice system at risk of being used as an instrument of political contestation," the IBAHRI said in the statement issued on Dec 8.

While Hasina, along with former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal, has been sen...