Human Rights Watch has submitted a report on the July Uprising to Chief Adviser Prof. Muhammad Yunus, saying that officers claimed the ousted former PM Sheikh Hasina had personally ordered enforced disappearances and killings.
A delegation from HRW, led by Asia Director Elaine Pearson of the globally renowned human rights organization, met with Professor Yunus and commended the Interim Government for its reform efforts and strides in improving human rights in the country.
"We commend the progress you have made so far," said HRW’s Asia chief.
She said that upholding human rights was a fundamental principle during the July-August Monsoon Revolution, adding that Bangladesh’s citizens now recognize the significance of human rights in all aspects of life.
HRW also recommended dismantling the Rapid Action Battalion, insisting that officers involved in killings and enforced disappearances be held accountable for their actions.
"There needs to be some accountability," she said.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus lauded the efforts of HRW during Sheikh Hasina's dictatorship, saying its reports during the past 16 years unveiled the widespread crimes committed by the regime.
He said the RAB has publicly apologised for its crimes, but the individual officers responsible for extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances should "face trials and be punished".
Pearson said the security forces were "politicised" during Sheikh Hasina's 2009-2024 rule, and they acted like they were ruling "party cadres".
"It needs systematic reforms," she said.
Prof Yunus said, "We are committed to openness and transparency. We are publishing all reform recommendations, allowing the people to decide on the desired reforms. As you have mentioned, undoing 15 years of oppression and crimes will be a challenging endeavour".
According to the HRW report, "Officers involved in enforced disappearances also told Human Rights Watch that Sheikh Hasina or senior government had knowledge of incommunicado detentions, and that, in some cases, Hasina directly ordered enforced disappearances and killings".
Source: Agency
BDST: 1204 HRS, JAN 29, 2025
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