Bangladesh jails 15 army officers over enforced disappearances under Hasina’s govt

Bangladesh’s interim government has imprisoned 15 senior army officers accused of carrying out enforced disappearances and violence against citizens during former prime minister Sheikh Hasina Wajid’s administration.

All detained officers have denied the charges. Most of them previously served in intelligence agencies or the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force that was sanctioned by the United States in 2021 over alleged human rights abuses.

This is the first time that government officials have been indicted in cases related to enforced disappearances, and also the first instance of such a large number of army officers facing trial in a civilian court.

The military has pledged full cooperation with the civil authorities in the investigation.

Among those detained are five army generals accused of operating a secret detention center during Hasina’s tenure.

Volker Turk, spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office welcomed the legal action, calling it a significant step toward justice for victims of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.

Meanwhile, Sheikh Hasina and several leaders of the Awami League are facing legal cases in Bangladesh after the former premier fled the country amid massive anti-government protests.

She is currently in self-exile in India and has denounced the interim government.

A Bangladeshi court is also hearing a case against Hasina Wajid on charges of crimes against humanity, with the prosecution seeking the death penalty as the trial has entered its final phase.