This case, accusing these local leaders of the former ruling party Bangladesh Awami League of crimes allegedly perpetrated by Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP)-Jamaat E Islam protesters, is a blatant attempt to undermine the democratic process and silence political opponents through malicious legal action.
Robert Simon, a renowned French Human Rights Activist and the Chief Adviser of JMBF, stated: “The filing of false and politically motivated cases against political leaders is an egregious violation of human rights and democratic principles. It is essential that the international community stands against such abuses and supports the fight for justice and accountability.”
Advocate Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, added: “The weaponization of the legal system to suppress political dissent and target opposition leaders in Bqngladesh is an alarming trend that must be stopped. We call upon the government to immediately withdraw these false charges and ensure that justice prevails for those who have been wrongfully accused.”
According to reports published in various Bangladeshi media outlets, on August 27, 2024, a politically motivated and allegedly fabricated case was filed against four local Awami League leaders and around 6,000 unnamed individuals, accusing them of killing 15 police personnel at Enayetpur Police Station in Sirajganj on August 4.
The accused AL leaders include Enayetpur Union unit President Ahmed Mostafa Khan Bachchu, Secretary Ajgar Ali, Khukni Union Parishad Chairman and AL Union unit President Mulluk Chand, and Bhangabari Union Parishad Chairman Johurul Islam Bhuiyan.
The case was filed by Enayetpur Police Station's Assistant Sub-Inspector Abdul Malek. According to the case statement, the accused frequently pressured the police to fulfill their illegal demands. When the police did not comply on August 4, the accused allegedly attacked the police station and brutally assaulted the officers. Some officers sought refuge in various locations, but the attackers reportedly dragged them back to the station and mercilessly beat them to death. Thirteen police personnel died on the spot, while two others succumbed to their injuries in the hospital. The attackers also vandalized and set fire to the police station.
However, on August 5, most newspapers in Bangladesh, along with confirmations from JMBF's sources, reported a different version of events. According to these reports, a group of protesters led by the BNP-Jamaat alliance was marching on the morning of August 4 when police attempted to disperse them with gunfire and tear gas.
Although the police initially believed they were safe, hundreds of protesters and enraged locals launched a sudden and violent attack on the station. The police responded by firing shots and using tear gas, but the situation escalated. The attackers overpowered the police, assaulted them, and set fire to the station. Many officers sought safety on the station's roof, but the assailants continued their attack, leading to the tragic loss of lives.
JMBF believes that these accusations set a dangerous precedent for the misuse of the legal system to achieve political ends, threatening human rights, democracy, the rule of law, and the fundamental rights of every citizen under the interim government led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus.
JMBF strongly asserts that the current interim government, led by Prof. Muhammad Yunus, is dangerously close to establishing a new form of fascism by filing such false and fabricated cases against members of the Bangladesh Awami League. This must be stopped immediately.
JMBF urges the concerned authorities to withdraw the false and fabricated charges against the members and leaders of the Bangladesh Awami League. The real perpetrators—the BNP-Jamaat protesters who were directly involved in the killing of police in Sirajganj—should be held accountable.
JMBF demands an immediate and thorough investigation into the killing of 15 police officials on August 4 under the direct supervision of the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and other international human rights organizations and experts. We also call for the protection of the legal rights of all individuals involved and demand that those responsible for filing these false charges be held accountable.
JMBF stands in solidarity with the accused AL leaders and the thousands of unnamed individuals who are victims of this malicious prosecution. We urge the authorities to act with integrity and uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and democracy that Bangladesh is founded upon.
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.
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