Hasina Ordered Enforced Disappearances and Killings: HRW

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has delivered a scathing report on the July Uprising, alleging that former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina personally ordered enforced disappearances and killings during her regime. The report, presented to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, includes testimony from officers who claim that Hasina or senior government officials were directly involved in these human rights abuses.

A delegation from HRW, led by Elaine Pearson, the Asia Director of the renowned human rights organization, praised the Interim Government’s reform efforts and its progress in improving the country’s human rights situation. “We commend the steps you have taken to move forward,” Pearson noted during the meeting.

Pearson emphasized that the July-August Monsoon Revolution marked a pivotal moment for Bangladesh, as ordinary citizens became increasingly aware of the importance of human rights across all aspects of life. HRW has called for sweeping reforms, including the disbanding of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), whose officers have been linked to numerous cases of extrajudicial killings and disappearances. Pearson stressed that accountability is essential for moving forward. “There needs to be justice for these crimes,” she asserted.

Professor Yunus praised HRW for its steadfast reporting during the previous regime, acknowledging that their work had shed light on the widespread atrocities committed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. He noted that while the RAB had issued a public apology for its past actions, those responsible for the abuses should face legal consequences. “The individuals who carried out these crimes must be held accountable,” Yunus said.

Pearson also criticized the politicization of Bangladesh’s security forces under Hasina’s leadership, describing them as functioning more like “party cadres” than neutral protectors of the law. “The security forces need comprehensive reforms,” she stated.

In response, Professor Yunus reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency and reform. “We are committed to openness,” he said. “We are making all reform recommendations public and allowing the people to decide on the desired changes. Undoing 15 years of oppression will be a difficult task, but it is necessary.”

The HRW report includes testimony from officers who were involved in enforced disappearances, confirming that Sheikh Hasina and other senior officials were aware of, and in some cases directly ordered, these human rights violations.

During her visit, Pearson also met with various reform commission leaders and the Chief Adviser’s High Representative on the Rohingya issue. HRW emphasized that further reforms should be firmly implemented, with proper oversight of the security forces to prevent future abuses.

Professor Yunus also shared his plans to establish a safe zone for displaced Rohingya people in Rakhine State, Myanmar. He expressed hope that the United Nations, international community, and the Arakan Army would collaborate to ensure the safety of this proposed zone.