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Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Tuesday expressed concern over the government’s decision to keep military officers—accused by the International Crimes Tribunal of enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, and torture during the fallen authoritarian regime—in military custody inside cantonments.

In a statement sent to the media, the anti-graft watchdog said the move raises serious questions about constitutional commitments and the principle of equal application of the law.

TIB urged the government to explain why military officers accused of crimes against humanity are being treated differently from other accused persons.

Emphasising that ‘all are equal before the law,’ TIB called for the immediate withdrawal of what it described as a discriminatory decision.

TIB executive director Iftekharuzzaman said, ‘How can discrimination based on identity or position be acceptable in cases involving the same allegations? In the trial process of those accused of crimes against humanity, there is no scope to consider professional identity or rank.’

He added that extending special privileges to certain accused persons contradicts the principle of justice. ‘If civilian accused are kept in regular custody, why should there be special sub-jails for military officers? Will the government then create different sub-jails for every group based on profession or position?’

Iftekharuzzaman warned that such discrimination could undermine public confidence in the International Crimes Tribunal and create confusion about the government’s intentions, particularly among victims and their families.

He further noted that under Article 27 of the Constitution, which guarantees equality before the law, and international legal principles, no accused person—including members of the armed forces—should receive special treatment.