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The recent developments in Bangladesh paint a complex picture of political and social upheaval, with multiple actors vying for power and influence. The International Crimes Tribunal's decision to formally charge a former police commissioner and seven other officers for alleged atrocities during last year's anti-government protests is a significant development. These protests, which ultimately led to the fall of then-Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s government, highlight the deep-seated dissatisfaction and unrest within the country. The charges, related to mass killings and human rights violations during the July 2024 uprising, mark the first time the tribunal has taken up such a case, underscoring the severity of the allegations and the potential for accountability. The prosecution's case hinges on the assertion that the then Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habib, who is currently at large, ordered subordinates to open fire on protesting crowds. This act, if proven, would represent a grave abuse of power and a direct violation of human rights. The fact that three other accused are also on the run while four are in jail suggests the scale and complexity of the alleged crimes. It also raises questions about the extent of involvement within the police force and the potential for a wider investigation into other incidents of alleged misconduct during the protests. The tribunal’s decision to proceed with the hearing on June 3 signals a commitment to investigating these allegations and bringing those responsible to justice. However, the absence of Habib and the other fugitives may pose challenges to the proceedings and could impact the overall outcome of the case. This case serves as a crucial test of the tribunal's ability to hold individuals accountable for human rights abuses and to ensure that such events are not repeated in the future.
Adding to the political turmoil, government employees have staged protests inside the Bangladesh Secretariat for two consecutive days, opposing the proposed Government Service (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025. These protestors view the ordinance as a “black law” that would grant authorities excessive powers to take punitive actions against and terminate government employees. Their demands for its withdrawal reflect concerns about job security and the potential for arbitrary actions by the government. The ordinance, approved by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus’s interim Cabinet and awaiting presidential assent, is seen as a threat to the independence and stability of the civil service. The protests by government employees underscore a growing sense of unease and mistrust towards the interim government. Similarly, officials from the National Board of Revenue (NBR) have abstained from work for the second consecutive day, demanding the scrapping of a separate new ordinance. Their protest stems from the NBR Reform Unity Council’s rejection of the finance ministry’s decision to amend the Revenue Policy and Revenue Management Ordinance. This amendment seeks to dissolve the NBR and form two existing divisions, separating tax policymaking from administration. The NBR officials fear that this restructuring could undermine the efficiency and integrity of the revenue collection process. These protests by government employees and NBR officials highlight the challenges faced by the interim government in maintaining stability and ensuring the smooth functioning of essential services. The widespread discontent among these key sectors of the government workforce indicates a need for dialogue and compromise to address their concerns and prevent further disruptions.
Furthermore, reports of discord between the military and the interim government over the timeline for holding parliamentary elections and policy issues related to Bangladesh’s security affairs, particularly regarding a proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar’s rebel-held Rakhine state, add another layer of complexity to the political landscape. The military’s call for elections by December this year, reiterated by Army chief General Waker-Uz-Zaman along with the Navy and Air Force chiefs, suggests a desire for a swift transition to an elected government. However, their reservations about the proposed humanitarian corridor to Myanmar indicate concerns about the potential security implications and the impact on Bangladesh’s sovereignty. General Zaman’s subsequent meeting with senior officers at Dhaka Cantonment, where he expressed his unawareness of the government’s strategic decisions despite the military’s active role, underscores a lack of coordination and communication between the two entities. This disconnect raises questions about the effectiveness of the interim government in addressing critical security issues and maintaining stability. The military’s decision to take a tough stance against “mob justice” and deploy troops with magistracy power to maintain law and order further highlights the deteriorating security situation in the country. These actions suggest a need for greater intervention to prevent vigilante violence and ensure the safety of citizens. The interim government’s attempts to address these challenges through closed-door meetings of the advisory council and statements emphasizing their commitment to fulfilling their responsibilities are insufficient to resolve the underlying issues. The council’s statement acknowledging the obstacles created by “unreasonable demands, deliberately provocative and jurisdictionally overreaching statements, and disruptive programmes” indicates a recognition of the challenges they face, but lacks concrete solutions to overcome them. In conclusion, the current situation in Bangladesh is characterized by political instability, social unrest, and concerns about the integrity of government institutions. The charges against police officers, the protests by government employees and NBR officials, and the discord between the military and the interim government all contribute to a climate of uncertainty and instability. Addressing these challenges will require strong leadership, effective governance, and a commitment to upholding the rule of law.
Source: Bangladesh: Former police chief, 7 others charged over 2024 uprising atrocities