Geneva, October 15 (TOB)- The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has welcomed the initiation of legal proceedings against those accused of enforced disappearances and torture under the previous regime in Bangladesh, calling it a critical step towards accountability.
“This marks the first time that formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in the country. It is a significant moment for victims and their families,” Türk said, highlighting the importance of this development.
Last week, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal submitted formal charges of crimes against humanity in two cases related to enforced disappearances and torture. These alleged incidents took place at the Task Force for Interrogation Cell and the Joint Interrogation Cell.
The Tribunal also issued arrest warrants for several former military officers, including past Directors-General of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and former officials of the Rapid Action Battalion.
On Saturday, Bangladesh’s army announced the detention of over a dozen officers accused of serious crimes committed during the previous administration.
Türk emphasised the need for the army to promptly produce these detained officers in a civilian court, ensuring that criminal proceedings are fair and transparent.
“I urge full respect for the most scrupulous standards of due process and fair trial, as guaranteed in international law. The protection of victims and witnesses in these sensitive and significant cases must be ensured,” Türk stated.
The High Commissioner referred to a key recommendation from the UN Human Rights Office’s Fact-Finding Report into last year’s deadly student-led protests, which called for those responsible for human rights violations to be held accountable under international standards.
Enforced disappearances are now officially recognized in Bangladesh following the ratification of the Convention on Enforced Disappearances and an amendment to the International Crimes Tribunal Act in August 2024.
Türk further urged authorities to prioritize pending cases, some dating back to the previous administration, and to ensure due process in resolving these matters.
He emphasised the need to release individuals who have been arbitrarily detained, including survivors of enforced disappearances and others facing unfounded charges.
The High Commissioner also called on authorities to refrain from pursuing the death penalty in any of the cases before the courts, regardless of the severity of the charges.
Türk pointed out, “Beyond ensuring individual accountability, the best way forward for Bangladesh is a comprehensive process of truth-telling, reparation, healing, and justice.
“This process must address the legacy of serious human rights violations and ensure that these abuses never happen again. I also call on the interim Government to deal with ongoing concerns promptly in line with international law.”
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Volker Turk, UN Rights Commissioner, Seeks, fair and transparent trials in Bangladesh ICT, Approach should be to be fair and even handed, Reconciliation and truth telling are better than revenge,
