DHAKA: A Bangladeshi court has remanded in custody 15 high-ranking army officers on charges of enforced disappearances and atrocities committed during the 2024 uprising that toppled the government.
This marks the first time formal charges have been brought for enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.
It is also the first time so many senior military officials have faced a civilian trial.
The accused men include five generals who allegedly ran a secret detention centre during ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s tenure.
All have served in Bangladeshi military intelligence or the feared paramilitary Rapid Action Battalion.
The army has stated it will assist the judicial process despite ongoing tensions since arrest warrants were issued earlier this month.
Chief prosecutor Tajul Islam told reporters the officers declared their allegiance to Bangladeshi law and respect for the judicial process.
He said their cooperation reflected this commitment.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk described the court process as an important step towards accountability in an October 15 statement.
Turk called it a significant moment for victims and their families.
The officers arrived at court in a prison van under heavy police guard.
Bangladesh is prosecuting former senior figures connected to Hasina, now a fugitive in exile in India, and her banned Awami League party.
Up to 1,400 people were killed in clashes between July and August 2024 as security forces tried to quash anti-government protests according to United Nations estimates.
RAB forces carried out numerous killings during Hasina’s rule leading to United States sanctions against the organization in 2021.
Hasina fled to New Delhi last year and continues defying court orders to return for her ongoing crimes against humanity trial.
Her trial in absentia is in its final stages with state-appointed defence lawyers presenting closing arguments.
Prosecutors have demanded the death penalty for Hasina over ordering the deadly crackdown.
Hasina’s Awami League states she categorically denies all charges against her. – AFP
