Is the Bangladesh Awami League's Concern Over Killings Valid Under Yunus's Rule?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Awami League raises concerns over violence amid political tensions.
- Recent murders highlight the deteriorating law and order situation.
- Custodial deaths raise questions about police accountability.
- Political affiliation should never lead to violence.
- The upcoming elections are crucial amidst rising fears.
Dhaka, Jan 2 (NationPress) With the law and order situation increasingly alarming in Bangladesh, the Awami League raised serious concerns on Friday amidst claims by critics regarding the climate of absolute impunity under the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government.
On December 27, the Awami League reported that two elderly men, Jamaluddin and Abdul Kayum, were viciously murdered in their own community, despite never facing any criminal allegations. The party claimed that the sole reason for the victims' demise was their family ties to Mehedi Hasan, a member of the Bangladesh Student League, the Awami League's student faction, where he held the position of local deputy publicity secretary.
The Awami League emphasized that this incident is part of a broader pattern, citing arbitrary mass arrests, assaults on residences and businesses, and the targeting of individuals merely for their political affiliations.
“All happening in a context where critics argue that the silence from Western nations and the lack of accountability have encouraged wrongdoers,” the Awami League remarked.
In light of the forthcoming elections on February 12, the party stated, “An election can't be deemed free when fear supersedes the rule of law. Political allegiance must never equate to a death warrant.”
Earlier, on Thursday, the Awami League’s media cell announced the passing of Babul Khan, the Organising Secretary from Kalapara Upazila, who died after being taken to Barishal Medical College Hospital following a severe illness while in custody at Patuakhali District Jail.
The party attributed his death to police brutality under the endorsement of the “illegitimate and oppressive” Yunus administration.
The Awami League claimed that after facing delays and negligence, Khan was eventually moved to the hospital, where he reportedly died on Tuesday.
“This was far from a natural death; it is part of a series of calculated killings occurring within the prison system. Today, our prisons have deviated from being correctional facilities to secret sites for eliminating opposition figures. Identifying as an Awami League member has become a potential death sentence. Torture post-arrest, denial of medical care, and unexplained fatalities are all symptomatic of a concerning pattern,” the Awami League declared.
“How many more calculated killings must occur within prisons? How many more Babul Khans must emerge as corpses? The Yunus government and its oppressive police force must be held accountable for the bloodshed of Babul Khan,” they added.