The Bangladesh Nationalist Party on Saturday stressed that fair and impartial trials of individuals accused of abusing their authority within the armed forces are essential to safeguarding democracy, protecting human rights, and preserving the military鈥檚 professionalism.
The party made the statement following an announcement by the Bangladesh Army Headquarters earlier in the day, which said that all serving officers鈥攅xcept a major general鈥攆acing charges of enforced disappearances at the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) had been taken into army custody on Thursday.
In a statement signed by senior joint secretary general Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the BNP said that justice not only ensures punishment for past wrongdoings but also helps prevent future violations. It added that respect for law and human rights forms the foundation of a peaceful and accountable state.
Reiterating that wrongdoing is an individual responsibility, the BNP said the country should be governed by the rule of law, and it would be inappropriate to hold entire institutions accountable for the actions of a few.
On Wednesday, the ICT prosecution filed charges of crimes against humanity against 28 people, including 25 former senior officers of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), for their alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and custodial torture.
At a press conference at the Army Headquarters, Adjutant General Major General Md Hakimuzzaman said all 15 serving army officials accused in the case鈥攚ho had previously been posted at the DGFI under the Prime Minister鈥檚 Office or at the RAB under the Home Ministry鈥攈ad been ordered to report to Dhaka Cantonment. Fourteen of them have already complied, he said.
Responding to the development, the BNP said that, as a party that has long been subjected to abductions, killings, and repression during periods of authoritarian rule, it fully supports the prosecution of all human rights violations.
The statement emphasised that justice should address only individual crimes under the law and must not be linked to the honour, trust, or sentiment of patriotic institutions such as the armed forces.
It further noted that every member of the military is a proud son of the nation and that most personnel sincerely wish to see those responsible for illegal acts brought to justice鈥攕o that no government can again order unlawful actions such as enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings.
The BNP fully agrees with this universal aspiration, the statement concluded.
