Fascist Sheikh Hasina involved the Bangladesh Army in crimes against humanity, such as enforced disappearances, with the deliberate intention of destroying the force’s professionalism, prosecution witness Barrister Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, also known as Arman, alleged on Sunday.
Speaking to journalists on 17 May following a hearing in a case involving disappearances and torture at the Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) cell, Arman stated that Hasina’s objective was to leave Bangladesh’s sovereignty vulnerable.
He emphasised that if the armed forces maintain their professionalism, the nation’s sovereignty remains intact.
In the new Bangladesh, the rights of the people must be given the highest dignity, Arman said, adding that the army should be the most respected institution and the ultimate sanctuary for the people.
He further cautioned the nation to remain vigilant so that no future government or powerful group can exploit state institutions for political ends. Arman concluded by asserting that regardless of a person’s power or their connections with superpowers, the rights of the Bangladeshi people must never be violated again.
Court proceedings and testimony
The case identifies ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and several current and former military officers as defendants in a matter concerning human rights violations.
During the hearing, defence lawyers Masud Salauddin and Abul Hasan cross-examined Arman, while Prosecutor Shaikh Mahadi represented the prosecution.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for 2 June. Arman, who previously testified on 21 January, recounted the details of his own disappearance to the tribunal.
He informed the court that he was abducted from his home on the night of 9 August 2016 by individuals identifying themselves as members of the law enforcement agencies.
The systematic disappearance of political opponents, critics, and businessmen during the fallen regime has long been a point of concern for domestic and international human rights organisations.
While the previous government consistently denied these allegations, victim families maintained that special units within the security apparatus were used to carry out these planned disappearances.
Status of the accused
Out of the 17 defendants named in the TFI cell disappearance case, 10 military officers are currently under arrest.
This list includes Colonel Anwar Latif Khan, Colonel Md Jahangir Alam, Colonel Tofayel Mostafa Sarwar, Colonel KM Azad, Colonel Md Kamrul Hasan, Colonel Md Mahabub Alam, and Colonel Mohammad Abdullah Al Momen.
Also in custody are Lieutenant Colonel Md Sarwar Bin Quasem, Lieutenant Colonel Md Mashiur Rahman Jewel, and Lieutenant Colonel Saiful Islam Suman. Seven other defendants remain absconding, including the former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal.
The remaining fugitives are Major General (retired) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, former IGP Benazir Ahmed, former Additional IGP M Khurshid Hossain, former Additional IGP Barrister Md Harun-or-Rashid, and Lieutenant Colonel Md Khairul Islam.
