6 Steps towards Justice for Bangladesh

London - CAGE International congratulates the courageous people of Bangladesh for successfully toppling the oppressive regime of Sheikh Hasina.

We commend the Students Against Discrimination movement for its unwavering commitment to challenging Hasina's brutal tactics and bringing an end to her reign of terror. Under her rule, Bangladesh endured a dark period marked by executions, torture, forced disappearances, and arbitrary detentions, particularly targeting scholars and political dissidents. The fall of this dictator, who was supported by the international community, notably the UK and India, is a testament to the resilience and bravery of the Bangladeshi people.

The journey towards justice and systemic reform in Bangladesh must continue. We urge the Students Against Discrimination movement to persist in their protests until there is a comprehensive overhaul of the structures that sustained Hasina's rule. This includes:

1. Prioritising the Release of the Forcibly Disappeared: The movement must demand that the new government urgently address the cases of individuals who have been forcibly disappeared. It is imperative to locate and release them, provide full details of their cases, and ensure they and their families receive adequate compensation and support.

2. Freeing Arbitrarily Detained Individuals: All those who have been detained without due process should be immediately released, and their cases dismissed. These individuals deserve compensation for their unjust treatment.

3. Accountability for Judicial and Law Enforcement Officials: Every judge and police officer involved in ordering unlawful arrests and extracting confessions under torture must be prosecuted. There must be accountability for all those who perpetrated or facilitated these human rights violations. We urge the student movement to identify and locate centres and sites that were used to facilitate arbitrary detainment and enforced disappearances. In these locations will be evidence and information on what happened, who was complicit, and what foreign involvement there was. This intelligence will be crucial for bringing justice to the oppressed.

4. Addressing Stalled Judicial Cases: A commission should be established to review and dismiss cases that have been unjustly stalled in the judicial system. Victims must be compensated for the injustices they have suffered.

5. Legal Reforms: The incoming interim government must repeal oppressive laws, specifically Article 64, to prevent further abuses of power. The rule of law must be applied impartially to protect all citizens.

6. Reinstatement of Banned Organisations: Islamic and political organisations that were unjustly banned must be reinstated, ensuring that all groups have the right to participate in the nation's democratic process.

Today, Bangladesh stands at a crucial juncture, correcting its course towards peace and justice. CAGE International stands in solidarity with the Bangladeshi people in their fight for a fair and just society. We call upon the international community to support these efforts and hold accountable those who have shielded the previous regime from scrutiny, ensuring a brighter future for Bangladesh.

Photo by Faisal Photography on Unsplash