- The Bangladeshi government canceled the passports of 97 individuals, citing involvement in disappearances and killings.
- Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s passport was among those revoked.
- Sheikh Hasina, currently in India, has been issued a travel document by Indian authorities.
- A Disappearances Commission reported 1,676 cases of forced disappearances under Hasina’s government from 2009 to 2024.
- Human rights organizations revealed over 1,500 deaths during uprisings in July-August 2024.
The Bangladeshi government revoked the passports of 97 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, citing involvement in enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and systemic corruption. Mohammad Abul Kalam Azad Mazumder, Deputy Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser, announced this decision during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Tuesday.
Authorities confirmed that 22 individuals were linked to forced disappearances, while 75 were accused of involvement in killings during the July 2024 uprisings. Sheikh Hasina, who resigned from office in August 2024 amidst widespread protests, is among those affected.
Extrajudicial Killings Under Hasina’s Government
Sheikh Hasina’s administration faced severe criticism for widespread extrajudicial killings during its 15-year rule. According to data from Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), a human rights organization, at least 1,926 individuals were killed under the guise of “crossfire” or “gunfights” by law enforcement agencies. These figures, compiled from media reports, highlight the administration’s systematic use of state violence.
Observers noted that these killings were often used as a tool to suppress dissent and eliminate political opposition. Victims included activists, journalists, and ordinary citizens caught in the crossfire of power struggles. The scale of these abuses led many to describe Hasina’s government as one that perpetuated crimes against humanity.
The absence of accountability for such actions further fueled public anger and eroded trust in the justice system. The blatant disregard for judicial oversight allowed state forces to operate with impunity, creating a climate of fear and oppression.
Corruption, Economic Mismanagement, and Institutional Decay
Alongside human rights violations, Hasina’s government became synonymous with corruption and economic mismanagement. Allegations of large-scale embezzlement and unchecked looting of public funds led to the near-collapse of Bangladesh’s banking sector. This corruption drained financial institutions and stifled economic growth, disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities.
Critics accused her administration of systematically destroying the country’s electoral systems. They highlighted how democratic values were undermined, with power secured through vote manipulation. Elections during her tenure were marred by allegations of rigging and voter suppression. These practices left the public deeply disillusioned with the political process.
Additionally, Hasina’s government failed to address the alarming rise of extremism within the country. Critics noted that extremism flourished under the guise of secularism, posing significant threats to societal harmony. The inability to counter such radical activities added to the administration’s negative reputation.
This failure compounded the government’s image as one incapable of maintaining national security or earning public trust. The widespread corruption and institutional decay during her tenure have been widely criticized as eroding Bangladesh’s democratic and economic foundations.
Disappearances Commission Exposes Atrocities
Following Hasina’s resignation, the interim government established the Disappearances Commission to investigate allegations of forced disappearances. Between 2009 and 2024, the commission documented 1,676 cases, of which 758 were thoroughly reviewed. The findings revealed patterns of systematic torture, abductions, and state-sponsored violence targeting political opponents and activists.
Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government, called the findings “horrific” and noted, “The report describes in detail the cruelty humans can inflict on one another. It is deeply disturbing.” The commission recommended accountability measures for those implicated in these abuses. However, the lack of any disciplinary action against security personnel has raised serious concerns about the interim government’s commitment to justice.
The failure to act on these findings undermines public confidence and casts doubt on whether systemic reform can be achieved. Human rights advocates argue that without accountability, these abuses risk being repeated in the future.
Human Rights Abuses During the 2024 Uprisings
The uprisings of July-August 2024 represented a turning point in Bangladesh’s political history. Protests erupted against Hasina’s administration, with demands for justice, transparency, and an end to corruption. However, the government responded with unprecedented brutality.
Odhikar, a human rights organization, revealed that over 1,581 individuals were killed in extrajudicial actions during this period. Law enforcement agencies employed forced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, and torture to suppress the protesters. Many of the victims were student leaders and activists who had taken to the streets to demand reform.
The crackdown during these months marked one of the darkest periods in Bangladesh’s history of state violence. The repression left a lasting impact on society, with families grieving lost loved ones and communities grappling with the trauma of government oppression. The scale of these atrocities has drawn widespread condemnation, both domestically and internationally.
Diplomatic and International Implications
In December 2024, Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry formally requested Sheikh Hasina’s extradition from India. The request cited allegations of corruption, human rights abuses, and crimes against humanity. Indian authorities have yet to confirm any action on this matter.
As international attention grows, Bangladesh faces pressure to address the systemic issues exposed by Hasina’s administration. The interim government’s decision to revoke the passports of those implicated is seen as a step toward justice. However, the lack of accountability for security forces remains a glaring gap in the process.
The global community continues to monitor the situation closely, with human rights organizations calling for greater transparency and justice for the victims. The challenge for Bangladesh lies in balancing political stability with the urgent need for reform and reconciliation.
Sheikh Hasina’s government left a legacy of corruption, human rights abuses, and institutional decay. The findings of the Disappearances Commission and the reports of widespread violence during the uprisings have painted a grim picture of her tenure. While the revocation of passports signals progress, the failure to hold perpetrators accountable undermines these efforts.
The path to justice will require systemic reform and a commitment to transparency. As Bangladesh navigates this critical period, its ability to confront its past and build a just future will define the country’s trajectory.