HRW Urges Bangladesh’s Interim Government for Impartial Law Enforcement
Published on: February 13, 2025
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HRW Calls for Neutral Law Enforcement in Bangladesh
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Bangladesh’s interim government to ensure that law enforcement agencies act with neutrality and uphold the rule of law while handling political violence. This statement follows a recent United Nations (UN) report highlighting serious human rights violations committed by security forces during protests in August 2024.
UN Report Exposes Alleged Security Force Abuses
According to the UN report, law enforcement agencies—including the police, Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and intelligence services—were involved in extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate firing, mass arrests, and torture during the crackdown on protesters. The protests ultimately led to the fall of the former Awami League government, headed by Sheikh Hasina.
The report estimates that between July 1 and August 15, 2024, up to 1,400 people were killed, with most reportedly shot dead by security forces. These findings have raised concerns about the excessive use of force and lack of accountability in Bangladesh’s security apparatus.
Operation Devil Hunt: A New Crackdown?
The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has pledged to reform the security sector. However, it recently launched "Operation Devil Hunt" in response to violent protests earlier this month. Nearly 2,000 people—primarily supporters of the ousted Awami League government—were arrested, according to HRW.
This operation was triggered after a clash on February 8, following an attack on the home of a former minister. Prior to this, protesters had demolished the home of Sheikh Hasina's father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which had been converted into a memorial museum.
In an official statement, the interim government defended the operation, claiming it targeted groups "linked to the fallen autocratic regime" and referred to them as "devils."
HRW’s Concerns and Recommendations
Meenakshi Ganguly, Deputy Asia Director at Human Rights Watch, emphasized the importance of impartial law enforcement, stating:
"Bangladesh is politically polarised after decades of repression by the Awami League government, but the authorities should not repeat the mistakes of the past and should instead ensure impartial rule of law."
HRW has urged the interim government to focus on political and economic reforms rather than resorting to heavy-handed crackdowns. The organization reminded authorities that peaceful assembly and protest are fundamental rights protected under international law. Law enforcement should prioritize nonviolent measures before using force.
Additionally, HRW has suggested that Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus bring a consensus resolution to the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session in March. The resolution should seek technical assistance, further investigations into recent events, and acknowledge both past human rights abuses and the interim government's positive steps toward reform.
Justice and Accountability: A Rights-Respecting Approach
Despite the public outrage over the previous government's repression, HRW stressed that justice must be served in a manner that upholds human rights and the rule of law. Ganguly warned that labeling political opponents as "devils" could further fuel security force abuses, as these forces have historically lacked accountability.
"All crimes, including mob violence, should be punished, but when authority figures characterise opponents as the 'devil,' it can fuel abuses by security forces that have never faced accountability."
Conclusion
As Bangladesh transitions under an interim government, the world is watching how it handles law enforcement and political unrest. While security sector reform is a step in the right direction, ensuring impartiality and accountability remains crucial for sustainable peace and democracy.
Source: The Daily Star
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