[5] The goal for establishing Odhikar was to develop human rights alertness and observing violations in Bangladesh.

[6] Odhikar published annual list of deaths along the Bangladesh–India border, raising anger from the pro-India government.

[9] On November 11, 2018, the pro-government newspaper Janakantha published an article written by Bibhash Baroi, which Odhikar called slanderous.

[10] International Federation for Human Rights condemned the article saying: The Observatory condemns in the strongest terms the politically-motivated attacks and accusations against Odhikar, which manifestly aim at discrediting its reputation and hindering its peaceful and legitimate human rights activities.In November 2018, the Election Commission in Bangladesh annulled Odhikar to be an observer on elections.

[12][13] In September 2023, Odhikar's secretary, Adilur Rahman Khan, and director, ASM Nasiruddin Elan, were arrested and sentenced to two years in prison, as well as a fine, by the Cyber Tribunal of Dhaka.