In a bold condemnation of what they call a politically motivated arrest, a group of international human rights defenders and legal professionals have called for the immediate release of Barrister Tureen Afroz, a former Senior Prosecutor at Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT). Afroz, who earned widespread respect for her work in securing justice for the victims of the 1971 Bangladesh Genocide, was arrested on charges that critics say are driven by political forces opposed to her commitment to justice and human rights.
Afroz’s arrest marks a troubling escalation in the ongoing challenges faced by those who have worked to uphold the rule of law in Bangladesh. The ICT, established in 2010 to address the long-delayed trials for the 1971 genocide, has been a focal point of tension, with some political factions pushing back against the tribunal’s verdicts, which have held individuals accountable for heinous crimes against humanity.
In a statement, the organization Global Alliance Against Atrocity And Violence On Humanity [GA3VH] expressed its outrage, describing Afroz’s detention as not only an injustice but a “chilling signal” to others who dare to challenge powerful political interests. The organization strongly denounced the arrest as a direct attack on the values enshrined in Bangladesh’s Constitution of 1972, which emphasizes secularism, democracy, and human rights.
Historical Context and the Role of Barrister Afroz
The International Crimes Tribunal was set up to prosecute individuals accused of war crimes during the 1971 Liberation War, a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s history. For decades, justice for the victims was delayed due to political obstructions, notably from radical factions such as Jamaat-e-Islami, which opposed the tribunal’s efforts. Afroz, who served with integrity as a prosecutor at the ICT, was integral to the tribunal’s success in securing convictions against those responsible for the atrocities committed during the war.
Afroz’s dedication to justice was well-known, as she faced constant threats while working to ensure accountability. Her arrest is seen by many as a politically motivated attempt to silence voices of justice and uphold an authoritarian agenda.
Political Ramifications and Concerns Over Radical Alliances
GA3VH also voiced deep concerns over the growing influence of regressive political forces in Bangladesh. They pointed to disturbing alliances between figures like Dr. Yunus and the political wing of Jamaat-e-Islami, which they argue could undermine Bangladesh’s progress toward a secular and democratic future.
The organization warned that these alliances pose a direct threat to the hard-won freedoms of the nation, earned through the sacrifices of hundreds of thousands of martyrs who fought for a free and democratic Bangladesh. With the government increasingly aligning itself with radical factions, activists fear that this marks the beginning of a broader assault on justice and democracy.
International Outcry and Calls for Action
Afroz’s arrest has sparked outrage both domestically and internationally. In a statement released on April 7, GA3VH called on all democratic institutions, civil society organizations, and international human rights bodies to take urgent action in response to these abuses. The group stressed that Afroz’s arrest is part of a larger pattern of politically motivated arrests and intimidation tactics targeting those seeking justice.
GA3VH also emphasized the urgency of standing in solidarity with Afroz, stating that “justice is not a crime” and “truth is not treason.” The organization demanded her immediate release and the cessation of politically driven actions that undermine the rule of law.
As the situation develops, the international community is watching closely, urging both local and global actors to intervene in order to prevent further erosion of democratic freedoms in Bangladesh.