A controversial hitlist containing the names of 749 individuals, including senior military and civilian officials, police officers, and journalists, has surfaced on social media. The list, allegedly compiled by an organization called AFIA, labels these individuals as “traitors, betrayers, and collaborators of the fascist Awami League.” It demands legal action against them, including prosecution in the International Crimes Tribunal Bangladesh and the International Criminal Court (ICC), as well as the cancellation of their passports by the interim government.
Since the political shift on August 5 last year, a systematic purge has reportedly taken place, targeting not only Awami League leaders and activists but also individuals who benefited from or were closely associated with Sheikh Hasina’s administration. Those identified as having links to the Awami League—whether through professional ties or family connections—have faced severe consequences. Many have been dismissed from government and private jobs, forced into resignation, or sent into mandatory retirement. Those who managed to retain their positions are now featured on this hitlist.
The 49-page PDF file, which has been widely circulated online, includes 160 senior army officials, 60 navy officers, 42 air force officers, 102 high-ranking civilian officials, 196 police officers, and 189 journalists working in both domestic and international media. The document provides detailed profiles of the individuals, outlining allegations against them. Analysts suggest that the level of detail in the list indicates involvement from high-ranking officials within the interim government, particularly given the sensitive nature of the information about military and civilian officials.
Military and legal experts have pointed out that any allegations against serving military personnel should be addressed through military courts. Similarly, civil service officials, police officers, and journalists should be subjected to due legal process rather than being publicly branded as traitors without investigation. The release of such a list, without any official judicial proceedings, raises concerns about political retribution and targeted harassment.
Many observers fear that this hitlist is part of a broader attempt to intimidate individuals associated with the previous government. Legal and human rights experts have warned that if anyone on the list faces violence or persecution, the responsibility must be clearly addressed. Creating such lists and advocating for extrajudicial action not only undermines the rule of law but also sets a dangerous precedent for political purges.
The international community, including human rights organizations, may need to closely monitor the situation to prevent potential human rights violations stemming from this development.
Source: Bddigest