Deepanwita Martin
Human Rights Reports Highlight Persistent Violations and Calls for Reform.
Eight Extrajudicial Killings in September
Human rights organization Odhikar has reported eight incidents of extrajudicial killings by Bangladeshi law enforcement agencies in September 2024. These killings include cases of torture and shootings carried out by police and joint forces. The organization also reported that during the same month, 17 individuals died from mob lynching and 18 were killed in political violence, painting a bleak picture of human rights in the country.
Adding to this, the Law and Arbitration Center, another human rights group, documented three extrajudicial killings in October. Together, the two organizations reported a total of 11 such deaths over the last two months.
Although no extrajudicial killings were recorded in August, Odhikar noted a troubling rise in other forms of violence. In August, 14 people were killed in mob lynching incidents, while political violence claimed 34 lives. Combined data for August and September shows 31 deaths from mob lynching and 52 from political violence.
A Grim Historical Context
The quarterly report by Odhikar divides 2024 into three phases:
• January 1 to August 5: The period under the Awami League government.
• August 6 to 8: A brief, government-less transition period.
• August 9 to September 30: The interim government’s tenure.
Surge in Extrajudicial Killings Reported from July to August 5
The period from July to August 5, 2024, has been identified as a peak time for extrajudicial killings in Bangladesh, with a staggering 1,581 incidents reported. However, this data, highlighted in Odhikar’s quarterly report, was not gathered through the organization’s direct investigations. Instead, it was compiled from information provided by students associated with the anti-discrimination movement and the National Citizen Committee.
Odhikar acknowledged that it is still in the process of independently verifying and compiling its own findings on these incidents. This distinction is critical, as the staggering figure raises significant concerns about the scale of violence while also underscoring the need for transparent and reliable data collection.
Adilur Rahman Khan, founder of Odhikar and current advisor to the interim government, commented on the ongoing investigations, stating, “Such a high number indicates the gravity of the situation, but thorough and independent verification is essential to ensure accountability.”
This period, covering the final months of the Awami League government’s tenure, has drawn significant scrutiny from human rights organizations. Observers argue that a combination of political unrest and unaccountable law enforcement actions may have contributed to the spike. However, until Odhikar releases its detailed findings, the exact nature and circumstances of these incidents remain unclear.
The preliminary data underscores the pressing need for reform in policing and governance, as well as greater accountability to address the continued violation of human rights in Bangladesh.
Mob Lynching: A Growing Crisis
Mob lynching continues to be a severe issue in Bangladesh. According to Odhikar, 95 individuals were killed in such incidents this year, including 35 in the first five days of August alone. In September, 17 more people died due to mob lynching, with 14 additional deaths recorded during August’s remaining weeks.
Adilur Rahman Khan, the founder of Odhikar and now an advisor to the interim government, highlighted how declining trust in the judiciary has led to a rise in mob justice. “During the previous government’s tenure, impunity was so prevalent that people lost faith in the judicial system, leading to mob violence,” he explained.
Political Violence Claims Hundreds of Lives
Political violence has claimed 254 lives so far in 2024. The highest number of deaths occurred between August 1 and 5, with 93 fatalities reported during this period of political unrest. During the brief government-less phase (August 6-8), four more people were killed. After the interim government assumed power, 52 people died from political violence by the end of September.
The year has also seen monthly fluctuations in politically motivated deaths, ranging from 22 in January to 20 in June, with significant spikes in August and September.
Enforced Disappearances Add to the Woes
Enforced disappearances remain another dark chapter in Bangladesh’s human rights record. This year alone, 20 individuals were reported missing, with the highest number (10) occurring in July. Among the victims, four individuals and a journalist were killed by police gunfire in July and August.
Victims of Law Enforcement in September
In September, eight people reportedly lost their lives due to law enforcement actions:
• Three were tortured by joint forces.
• One died under the Narcotics Control Department’s custody.
• One was tortured by police.
• Three were shot by joint forces.
Authorities’ Response and Human Rights Advocates’ Criticism
Law enforcement officials denied allegations of extrajudicial killings. AIG (Media) Inamul Haque Sagar of the Bangladesh Police Headquarters said, “The police do not support extrajudicial killings, and there are legal mechanisms to address complaints. I have not reviewed Odhikar’s report, so I cannot comment on it specifically.”
Human rights activist Noor Khan criticized the government’s inaction in addressing these violations, saying, “Extrajudicial killings, mob lynching, and even robberies are ongoing. The government has failed to communicate the necessary messages to society.” He also reiterated his call to disband the controversial Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), which has faced numerous allegations of rights abuses.
Hope for Reform Amid Persistent Challenges
Adilur Rahman Khan expressed cautious optimism, noting that reforms in the police and judiciary are underway. “We want these incidents to reduce to zero. While extrajudicial killings disguised as crossfire have declined, cases of police custody torture remain concerning,” he said.
Noor Khan emphasized the importance of swift investigations and timely justice to restore public trust. He added, “If enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings are addressed transparently and promptly, it will send a strong message and pave the way for accountability.”
A National Call for Justice and Reform
These reports underscore the urgent need for systemic reforms to address human rights abuses in Bangladesh. With public trust in institutions at an all-time low and violence remaining rampant, civil society and human rights organizations are calling for immediate measures to ensure justice, accountability, and safety for all citizens.
Sud Editor, The Voice News.