HRW urges for unbiased law enforcement

The call followed a recent United Nations report that accused security forces of committing severe human rights violations while responding to protests in August 2024, which resulted in the ousting of the former Awami League government led by Sheikh Hasina. According to the UN report, law enforcement agencies, including the police, border guards, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and intelligence services, were implicated in extrajudicial killings, indiscriminate firing, mass arrests, and torture during the crackdown.

The report estimates that up to 1,400 people were killed between July 1 and August 15, 2024, with most of them shot by security forces. The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, has promised security sector reform. However, it launched "Operation Devil Hunt" following violent protests earlier this month, which led to the arrest of nearly 2,000 people, mostly supporters of the ousted AL government, according to the international rights group.

The operation was sparked by a clash on February 8, following an attack on a former minister's home. Earlier, protesters had destroyed the house of Sheikh Hasina’s father, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which had been turned into a memorial museum.

In a statement, the interim government stated that the operation targeted groups "linked to the fallen autocratic regime," referring to them as "devils," according to the press release. Meenakshi Ganguly, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch, commented, "Bangladesh is politically polarized after decades of repression by the Awami League government, but the authorities must not repeat past mistakes and should instead ensure impartial rule of law."

She continued, "As the United Nations has stated, the interim government should focus on urgent reforms to the political system and economic governance."

Despite the crackdown, HRW reminded the interim government that the right to peaceful assembly and protest is protected under international law. The rights group urged law enforcement to prioritize nonviolent measures before resorting to force.

HRW also suggested that the government, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, present a consensus resolution at the upcoming UN Human Rights Council session in March. This resolution should seek technical assistance and further investigations into the recent events. HRW recommended that the resolution acknowledge past human rights abuses while also recognizing the interim government's positive steps.

Ganguly added, "Bangladeshis are angry over the repression by the Sheikh Hasina administration and they deserve justice and accountability, but it must be done in a rights-respecting manner."

"All crimes, including mob violence, should be punished, but when authorities label opponents as 'devils,' it can incite abuses by security forces that have never been held accountable."