Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a comprehensive 50-page report on Tuesday, expressing serious concerns over the human rights situation in Bangladesh since the July uprising.
According to HRW, Bangladesh’s law enforcement has reverted to its past repressive ways, which is “alarming” for the country.
The report calls on the interim government to stop the widespread use of anonymous cases and arrest warrants and to end the practice of retaliatory arrests.
HRW warns that if these issues are not addressed, the government’s attempts at reform could be at risk.
The organization notes that police are again filing criminal cases against unnamed individuals, allowing officers to target anyone without clear justification.
This kind of unchecked power has led to growing fear and uncertainty.
HRW insists that the country needs reforms to eliminate political interference in law enforcement, the judiciary, and prosecution. They also emphasize the need for greater civilian oversight and accountability.
To further this goal, the organization suggests revising laws to stop the abuse of power that targets individuals simply for expressing dissent.
The report calls on the judiciary to make sure that everyone who is arrested is presented before a judge quickly and safely.
HRW also demands that detention centers and police stations be open to public observation after arrests.
HRW also points out the need for decentralizing power within institutions like the civil service, military, police, and judiciary to ensure that they remain politically neutral.
The organization encourages the interim government to work with international bodies, such as the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC), for expert guidance on long-term reforms.
Additionally, HRW urges the interim government to disband the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a controversial law enforcement unit known for numerous allegations of human rights violations, including abductions, extrajudicial killings, and torture.
This call follows recommendations from a commission investigating enforced disappearances.
Elaine Pearce, HRW’s Asia Director, stressed that Bangladesh’s interim government has been entrusted with an important task: to steer the country away from a history of authoritarianism.
Pearce said,
"The interim government should enlist the support of the United Nations for sustainable structural reforms and ensure that past abuses do not become the blueprint for Bangladesh’s future." She further warned, "If the interim government fails to implement rapid and structural reforms, the hard-won progress achieved at the cost of many lives could be entirely lost, paving the way for future governments to adopt repressive measures."
The report also discusses the interim government`s efforts to repair the security and judicial systems.
The government has committed to making changes through presidential orders, which will later be approved by the elected parliament.
However, HRW points out that the new ordinance replacing the controversial Cyber Security Act still includes some harmful clauses from the previous law, which was used to suppress free speech.
Concerns have also been raised by student leaders and activists, who fear that the interim government is influenced by various political interests.
Many believe that the pace of reforms has noticeably slowed, raising doubts about the government`s commitment to true change.
HRW also highlights the government`s crackdown on journalists.
By November, at least 140 journalists faced murder charges due to their alleged involvement in the July uprising, and over 150 journalists had their press accreditation cards revoked.
In addition, 19 individuals were charged with sedition for allegedly disrespecting the national flag.
The report also describes the violent actions of law enforcement against protesters during the uprising, with HRW claiming that security forces fired directly at students.
“The Hasina government deployed security forces who indiscriminately used tear gas, sound grenades, rubber bullets, and live bullets on the crowd. They fired directly at students,” the report stated.
A police officer who spoke to HRW explained,
“I saw police officers shooting at vital parts of protesters` bodies... In many cases, I saw officers fire directly, even when their lives were not in danger.”
The report mentions how police officers were instructed to use maximum force to suppress the protests. According to one officer,
“Senior officials instructed us to be strict and not spare any ‘criminal’ spreading ‘anarchy.’ While they didn’t explicitly use the word ‘shoot,’ their instructions were clear: use maximum force, do whatever is necessary to control the situation, and take a hard stance.”
HRW also stresses the need for reforms, calling for a ban on mass arrests and the use of anonymous cases.
They also urge the government to present detainees before a judge quickly and ensure detention facilities are open for public inspection.
The organization also calls for limits on the use of remand, which has often been associated with torture.
Julia Bleckner, a senior HRW researcher, commented on the need for law enforcement agencies to be freed from political influence, particularly in promotions and recruitment. She also explained why RAB must be dissolved:
“Every government that has come to power has used RAB as a tool of oppression. We view RAB separately because it cannot be reformed. There is a fundamental problem with the structure and mandate given to RAB.”
In response to a suggestion about banning the Awami League from elections, Bleckner expressed concern. She said,
"We have recently seen a statement by advisor Mahfuz Alam suggesting a ban on the Awami League from the elections. This is quite concerning because Bangladeshis may soon face another election where they won’t be able to vote for their preferred candidates."
HRW also criticized the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT), stating that it has been used for opaque trials and that many provisions in the ICT Act violate international human rights standards.
It pointed out that, up until November, 80 people, including Sheikh Hasina, had been charged with crimes against humanity in this court.
Regarding Sheikh Hasina’s trial, Bleckner said,
"It won’t be easy to bring Sheikh Hasina back as long as the ICT Act retains the death penalty. If Bangladesh abolishes the death penalty and elevates the ICT Act to international standards, it will be easier for us to pressure India into handing her over."
The interim government in Bangladesh has been in place since August 5, following the student-led uprising.
Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus now leads the country during this transitional period.
Source: The Business Standard.
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