Post by : Rameen Ariff

In a rare development, at least 15 serving Bangladeshi Army officers have been taken into custody over alleged serious crimes committed during the previous government under former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The arrests follow arrest warrants issued by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for 25 army officers in connection with three cases related to protests that led to the ouster of the Sheikh Hasina government in August 2024.

The detained officers have been placed under military custody, officials confirmed.

Army Response and Custody Details

The Army’s Adjutant General, Major General Mohammad Hakimuzzaman, stated that directives were issued for 16 officers to report to the Army headquarters, of which 15 complied. He clarified that among the 25 officers named in the chargesheet:

• 9 were retired or dismissed.

• 1 was on Leave Prior to Retirement (LPR).

• 15 are serving officers.

“These officers have been given attachment orders to report to Dhaka Cantonment by October 8,” Hakimuzzaman added. He explained that provisions of joining and journey time were followed according to military rules.

Prosecution Demands Court Trial

The Chief Prosecutor, Mohammad Tajul Islam, has demanded that the officers be brought before the tribunal for trial. The prosecution has formally charged 28 individuals, including Sheikh Hasina and 23 top and mid-ranking current and former army officers.

The Army stated that no warrant has been physically received, and any action will follow constitutional provisions. Taking officers into custody first is an established practice in Bangladesh, ensuring action is taken only after a verdict, as per 54 years of military tradition.

Major General Kabir Ahmed Declared AWOL

One officer, Major General Kabir Ahmed, former military secretary to Sheikh Hasina and two-star officer, has not responded to notices. Ahmed is under investigation for his tenure as Director General of Forces Intelligence and has been declared AWOL (Absent Without Leave).

Potential for Tension

This marks the first time in Bangladesh’s history that serving military officers are charged in a civil court for alleged crimes against humanity, raising concerns about possible confrontation between the Army and the interim administration led by Muhammad Yunus.

The tribunal has instructed relevant agencies, including the police and military services, to arrest the remaining officers, signaling potential legal and political challenges ahead.

#Global