On October 9, Bangladesh’s government took a historic, albeit long-overdue, step by filing charges against 28 individuals for enforced disappearances, secret detentions, and torture. This moment marks a pivotal shift in a country that has languished under a regime notorious for its human rights abuses and authoritarian rule.
The dismissive attitude of Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan in 2017 epitomized the government’s response to mounting evidence of human rights violations. Labeling a detailed Human Rights Watch report as a “smear campaign,” Khan feigned concern while perpetuating a narrative that those who vanished were merely criminals evading justice. His insistence on investigating these abuses was nothing more than a hollow promise, reflecting the systemic denial that has characterized the Sheikh Hasina administration.
From 2009 to 2024, Hasina’s government evolved from a supposedly democratic regime into a deeply authoritarian state. Reports of extrajudicial killings, torture, and the suppression of dissent were met with denials and obfuscations. The political climate became increasingly toxic, as dissent was quashed and fear spread among the populace. The ongoing repression persisted until the government was finally toppled in August 2024, following widespread protests that claimed over 1,400 lives—a tragic testament to the desperation of a population that had long endured the weight of tyranny.
The resignation of Hasina and Khan, who fled the country amidst the chaos, opened the door for interim leadership under Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace laureate known for his commitment to social justice. Yunus’s administration laid the groundwork for reforms, including the establishment of a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. This commission has received over 1,850 complaints and documented more than 300 victims presumed dead while in custody—horrific statistics that speak to the depth of the crisis.
Recently, the commission released a documentary titled “Unfolding the Truth,” which unveiled chilling accounts of abuse and torture that victims endured at the hands of state forces. The tragic narratives showcased in this documentary are not just individual stories; they are emblematic of a broader system that has systematically violated human rights with impunity.
The charges announced on October 9 against Hasina, Khan, and numerous military officers signal a potential turning point in the fight for accountability in Bangladesh. Among those present in court was Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, also known as Armaan, who poignantly reached out to me days before his 2016 disappearance, expressing his fears for his safety. After spending eight years in a secret military detention site, he was finally released following the government’s downfall. His case is just one of many that illustrate the harrowing reality faced by countless families left in anguish, desperately awaiting news of their loved ones.
Armaan’s resilience and recovery are inspiring, yet they starkly contrast with the grim reality many still endure. Families of the disappeared continue to live in a state of limbo, reflecting the urgent need for justice and closure. As human rights advocates, we hold onto the hope that accountability will prevail, but the road ahead remains fraught with challenges.
The impending prosecution of the accused at the Bangladesh International Crimes Tribunal raises significant concerns regarding the integrity of the judicial process. There are apprehensions about ensuring fair trial standards and the potential use of the death penalty—a practice that must be unequivocally opposed in a just society.
As we reflect on this pivotal moment in Bangladesh, we must recognize that the fight for justice is far from over. The systemic issues that allowed for such egregious violations of human rights to flourish are deeply entrenched, and dismantling them requires a collective effort from civil society, activists, and the international community. We must hold those in power accountable and ensure that the voices of the oppressed are heard.
The charges against these individuals represent more than just a legal response; they embody a profound moral imperative to confront a legacy of violence and repression. It is a testament to the indomitable spirit of those who have suffered and a call to action for all of us to demand a future where human rights are upheld, justice is served, and the dignity of every individual is protected. The moment for change is now, and we must seize it with unwavering resolve.
This article highlights the importance of Step Toward Justice.
