By Anjali Sharma
UNITED NATIONS – UN human rights chief Volker Türk on Wednesday hailed that Bangladesh has begun legal proceedings against security officials accused of sanctioning enforced disappearances and torture under the previous government a move “an important step towards accountability.”
International Crimes Tribunal submitted formal charges in two cases connected to alleged abuses at the Task Force for Interrogation Cell and the Joint Interrogation Cell, including charges of crimes against humanity, OHCHR stated.
UN agency noted that as part of the action, arrest warrants were issued for several former military officers, including ex-Directors-General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion.
The Bangladesh military announced it had detained over a dozen officers accused of serious crimes committed under the previous administration.
Türk said “It marks the first time that formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in the country. It is a significant moment for victims and their families,”.
He urged the Bangladeshi authorities to ensure due process and fair trial guarantees, regarding detained officers.
Turk also emphasized the protection of victims and witnesses as “sensitive and significant cases must be ensured.”
Bangladesh’s ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances in August 2024, and amendment of the International Crimes Tribunal Act, now formally recognise enforced disappearance as a crime under domestic law.
Mr. Türk said that pending cases some dating back to the previous administration which was forced from power by massive youth-led protests last year – must also be addressed, and that those arbitrarily detained should be released.
Over 1,400 people, many children, were killed in the weeks-long movement, which culminated in the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, after she fled the country.
She had been in power since January 2009, having earlier led Bangladesh from 1996 to 2001.
OHCHR fact-finding investigation found credible evidence of torture, arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances that “may amount to crimes under international law.”
Türk echoed the report’s central recommendation for Bangladesh to ensure those responsible for grave abuses, regardless of rank, face justice through fair and transparent proceedings.
He urged Bangladesh to halt the use of the death penalty in any of these proceedings, no matter the charge.
Rights chief called for “a comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparation, healing and justice” to begin, so the abuses of the past cannot recur.
