A leading human rights group reported Wednesday that over a dozen people have died in detention in Bangladesh since last year’s student-led revolution. Odhikar, one of the country’s largest rights organizations, accused security forces of extrajudicial killings, including by torture and gunshot wounds, and called for justice.
“The interim government should not let these crimes go unpunished,” said Odhikar director ASM Nasiruddin Elan. “Those involved in extrajudicial killings must be brought to justice.” The report comes as the United Nations releases damning findings on former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, which it accuses of committing “crimes against humanity” in a last-ditch effort to retain power before being toppled.
‘Crimes Against Humanity’ Under Hasina’s Rule
A UN fact-finding mission investigating events in Bangladesh between July 1 and August 15, 2024, found that Hasina’s government engaged in a systematic and violent crackdown on protesters. The report states there were “reasonable grounds to believe that the crimes against humanity of murder, torture, imprisonment, and infliction of other inhumane acts have taken place.”
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During the 45-day uprising that ultimately forced Hasina into exile, an estimated 1,400 people were killed, according to the UN. The vast majority of those deaths were allegedly caused by Bangladesh’s security forces, which continued to support the government even as public opposition grew. Up to 13% of the dead were minors, the report found.
Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, condemned the killings and urged Bangladesh’s new leadership to ensure accountability. “The brutal response was a calculated and well-coordinated strategy by the former government to hold onto power in the face of mass opposition,” he said.
Continuing Abuses Under Interim Rule
Despite the fall of Hasina’s government, allegations of abuse by security forces persist. Odhikar reported that between August 9 and December 31, 2024, at least 12 people died in custody. Three of them were in police detention, while the rest were under the control of other security units, including the army and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force with a history of human rights violations.
According to Odhikar, seven of the victims were tortured to death, while four others died from gunshot wounds. Another victim was reportedly beaten and pushed off a bridge by police officers.
One case highlighted in the report was the death of 18-year-old Elahi Sikdar from Gopalganj, who was arrested for allegedly attacking soldiers. His injured body was later found at a hospital. His family, like many others, chose not to file a case. “We have accepted his death as destiny,” his brother said.
Government Response
Bangladesh’s security forces have denied wrongdoing, with officials stating that investigations into all reported deaths are ongoing. “The armed forces are investigating all the cases,” said Sami-Ud-Dowla Chowdhury, the director of public relations for the armed forces. Police spokesman Inamul Haque Sagar added that officers had been ordered to “refrain from activities beyond their jurisdiction.”
However, concerns remain over the continued role of the military in law enforcement. Since the revolution, the army has been granted judicial powers similar to the police, allowing them to make arrests and conduct enforcement operations. Army chief Waker-Uz-Zaman warned against prolonging this arrangement, saying, “The more our people stay in the field, the more there is the fear that they will face unlawful activities.”
Calls for Justice
Odhikar has urged the interim government to break from the past and take concrete action against those responsible for extrajudicial killings. “Even the friends of the fascist regime have a right to justice,” said Elan. “Extrajudicial killings must be prevented at any cost.”
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Meanwhile, the UN has called for a comprehensive accountability process to address the legacy of human rights violations in Bangladesh. “Accountability and justice are essential for national healing and for the future of Bangladesh,” said Turk. He stressed that the country must confront “the horrific wrongs committed” during Hasina’s rule to move forward.