Bangladesh Rights Activists Alarmed by Increase in Extrajudicial Killings Under Yunus Administration
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Synopsis
Human rights activists in Bangladesh are sounding the alarm over a disturbing rise in extrajudicial killings and custodial deaths since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office in August 2024. Reports indicate numerous fatalities attributed to law enforcement and incidents of mob justice, raising serious concerns about the state of human rights.
Key Takeaways
- Extrajudicial killings have surged since August 2024.
- 19 individuals reportedly killed by law enforcement.
- Mob justice incidents are on the rise.
- Concerns over law and order deteriorating in Bangladesh.
- Human rights organizations are vocal about these issues.
Dhaka, Mar 6 (NationPress) Numerous human rights activists in Bangladesh have expressed grave concerns regarding the escalating incidents of extrajudicial killings and other custodial fatalities of suspects since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus assumed power in August 2024.
As reported by the Dhaka-based human rights organization Ain O Salish Kendra (AsK), at least 19 individuals have lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement and security forces since August 8, 2024, following Yunus's inauguration.
According to AsK's senior coordinator Abu Ahmed Faijul Kabir, “These individuals were either killed during purported gunfights or under torture while in custody, later being pronounced dead upon arrival at hospitals,” he stated in an interview with Benar News.
Another rights advocate, Nur Khan Liton, who is part of the Yunus Government's Commission for Enforced Disappearances, noted that rather than reducing the instances of extrajudicial killings, the figures have risen since August 2024. He remarked to Benar News, “The administration is not implementing any tangible measures to curb these extrajudicial killings. We continuously hear the same old narratives in every case of custodial death, crossfire, or gunfight. This situation is both alarming and disheartening.”
In December 2024, the human rights organization released a report that underscored incidents of mob justice and rampant lawlessness under the current interim government, which are significant concerns.
Highlighting cases of mob justice, the report referenced the tragic beating death of a youth at Dhaka University, which incited widespread outrage across the nation. Additionally, political party leaders and activists have also fallen victim to mob justice.
On September 7, 2024, Abdullah Al Masud, the former leader of the Rajshahi University branch of the Bangladesh Chhatra League, was fatally beaten near the university campus in Binodpur market.
According to ASK, there have been reports of 147 incidents involving the vandalism of homes, temples, and businesses belonging to the Hindu community nationwide. Approximately 408 households were affected, including 36 arson cases. Furthermore, there have been 113 incidents of vandalizing businesses owned by minority groups, 32 attacks on temples and mosques of the Ahmadiyya sect, and 92 incidents of idol vandalism across 92 temples, as reported by Prothom Alo, a leading Bengali newspaper.
Bangladesh has been experiencing ongoing violence and protests nationwide since the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus took office. Recent local media reports indicate a notable rise in intense protests against the government amidst a significant decline in the law and order situation throughout the country.
