STATEMENT: JMBF Expresses Grave Concern Over Alleged Torture and Degrading Treatment by Army Officials in Bangladesh

The JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) has voiced deep concern over recent reports of brutal torture and degrading treatment by members of the Bangladesh Army, targeting former ruling party members, supporters, and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organizations. 

These incidents are alleged to have occurred across various districts, with a particular focus on Gopalganj—the birthplace of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the founding father of the nation.

According to videos received by JMBF, these violent acts, especially against Awami League members, began following the assumption of power by an interim government led by Nobel Laureate Dr. Muhammad Yunus on August 8, after the fall of the Awami League government on August 5, 2024.

JMBF has obtained 20 video clips that allegedly show members of the Bangladeshi Army forcibly detaining individuals associated with the Awami League, tying their hands behind their backs, and mercilessly beating them while they lie defenseless on the floor in a secret room.

In another video, army members are seen covertly standing against the walls of rooms where Awami League leaders and affiliates are gathered, brutally beating them from behind with thick sticks.

Additional videos show Bangladeshi army personnel indiscriminately beating members and supporters of the Awami League in front of large crowds, with student protesters cheering. One particularly disturbing video captures army men brutally beating a person in front of the court premises in Laxmipur, forcing the victim to sing loudly and recite the Kalima of the Holy Quran.

JMBF has also reviewed videos depicting army personnel engaging in inhumane behavior and treatment of the general population, including forcing individuals to lie down on mud-soaked streets while being held by their ears.

All of these videos reportedly depict severe and inhumane treatment, with victims being struck repeatedly with strong sticks while restrained.

Robert Simon, a prominent French human rights activist and Chief Adviser to JMBF, strongly condemned these actions, stating:"The systematic torture and abuse of political activists and civilians by military forces in Bangladesh is not only a gross violation of human rights but an affront to the values that all democratic societies must uphold. The international community cannot remain silent in the face of such atrocities. We must stand in solidarity with the victims and demand justice and accountability for these egregious acts."

Advocate Shahanur Islam, the Founder and President of JMBF, emphasized the severity of these reports, stating:"Despite the prohibition of torture and all forms of degrading behavior and treatment under Article 35(5) of the Constitution of the People's Republic of Bangladesh, as well as the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights and the Convention Against Torture (CAT), to which Bangladesh is a state party, the brutal torture of members of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated wings by army personnel is a clear violation of our constitutional fundamental rights and the human rights declared by the UN. This must be stopped immediately, and the perpetrators must be held accountable."

Call to Action

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) calls upon the Interim Government of Bangladesh, the United Nations, international human rights organizations, foreign governments, and the global community to:

Investigate the Allegations:Conduct thorough and impartial investigations into the reported incidents of torture and degrading treatment by Army officials against members, supporters, and activists of the Bangladesh Awami League and its affiliated organizations.

Provide Support to Victims: Offer protection and support to the victims and their families, ensuring their safety, access to justice, and adequate financial compensation.

Hold Perpetrators Accountable: Ensure that those responsible for these human rights violations are held accountable and receive appropriate punishment through legal channels, including filing cases under the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act 2013.

Promote Human Rights: Advocate for the restoration of human rights and the rule of law in Bangladesh, emphasizing the importance of political freedom and the protection of opposition members.

JMBF believes that the alarming reports of violence and human rights abuses against Awami League members and their supporters by the Bangladesh Army demand immediate international attention.

JMBF remains committed to advocating for justice and the protection of human rights in Bangladesh and urges the global community to take decisive action to address these serious allegations.

Thank you

Advocate Shahanur Islam 

Founder President 

JusticeMakers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) 

Email: info@jmbf.org | Website:www.jmbf.org

============================================================ JMBF is an independent non-profit, nonpartisan human rights organization registered in France with registration number W931027714 under the association law of 1901, dedicated to defending human rights, fighting for justice, and empowering communities in Bangladesh and beyond.