Bangladesh Court Issues Arrest Warrants for 24 Military Officers Over Enforced Disappearances

DHAKA: A court in Bangladesh has issued arrest warrants against two dozen military officers in connection with enforced disappearances during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wajed’s government.

According to prosecution sources, an investigative commission confirmed over 250 cases of enforced disappearances carried out by security forces during the 15 years of rule by Hasina Wajed’s Awami League party. The commission has so far received nearly 1,700 complaints related to enforced disappearances.

Sheikh Hasina fled Dhaka for India by helicopter following public protests led by students in August 2024. She has since been named a co-accused in enforced disappearance cases before Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal.

The tribunal is conducting proceedings against senior former officials linked to Hasina’s dismissed government and her now-banned Awami League party. This is the first time such a large number of high-ranking military officers—including at least 16 generals—are facing charges in a civilian court.

Chief Prosecutor Muhammad Tajul Islam told reporters, “The judicial process does not consider who the accused are, their rank or power. Those who violated public trust, stood against the state and constitution while continuing to draw government salaries must now be held accountable for their actions.”

This landmark move signals a serious crackdown on alleged abuses of power by security agencies during Sheikh Hasina’s administration.