Bangladesh: Hasina-era top generals face justice in first-ever trial for enforced disappearances

Historic trial for Bangladesh generals

A Bangladeshi court on Wednesday remanded in custody fifteen senior army officers accused of enforced disappearances and atrocities during the 2024 uprising that led to the fall of the government.

This marks the first time formal charges for enforced disappearances have been brought in Bangladesh, and the first civilian trial involving such a large number of top-ranking military officials.

The accused, including five generals — allegedly operated a secret detention facility under the administration of the now-ousted prime minister, Sheikh Hasina.

All of them previously served in either military intelligence or the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary force long criticised for extrajudicial actions.

The army has pledged to cooperate with the proceedings, though tensions have remained high since the court issued arrest warrants earlier this month.

"They declared their allegiance to the law of the land and their respect for the judicial process," chief prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters.
"That was reflected in the cooperation they have extended," he added.

In a statement on October 15, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the case as a crucial step towards justice and accountability, saying it represented “an important step towards accountability.”

"It is a significant moment for victims and their families," Turk said.

The officers were brought by a prison van to the court, guarded by a heavy deployment of police.

Bangladesh is prosecuting former senior figures connected to Hasina -- now a fugitive in exile in India -- and her now-banned Awami League party.

Up to 1,400 people were killed in the clashes between July and August 2024 as the security forces tried to quash anti-government protests, according to the United Nations.

During Hasina's rule, RAB forces carried out scores of killings, and the organisation was sanctioned by the United States in 2021.

Hasina, 78, fled last year to New Delhi, where she has defied court orders to return to attend her ongoing crimes against humanity trial for ordering the deadly crackdown.

Her trial in absentia is in its final stages, with Hasina's state-appointed defence giving closing arguments. The prosecution have demanded the death penalty for Hasina.

Hasina's Awami League says that she "categorically" denies the charges.

(Inputs from AFP)