15 Bangladeshi army officers detained for role in alleged disappearances during Hasina era
Bangladesh Army Detains 15 Officers Over Enforced Disappearance Cases Linked to Hasina-Era
The Bangladesh Army on Saturday confirmed the detention of 15 serving officers accused of involvement in enforced disappearances during the tenure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who resigned in August 2024 following massive student-led protests.
The arrests come just days after the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) issued warrants for 25 military officers, AFP reported. The tribunal is investigating senior figures associated with Hasina’s former government and her now-banned Awami League party.
“The 15 serving officers have been taken into custody. They are separated from their families and are being held in high-security detention under strict arrangements,” said Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, the army’s Adjutant General, at a press briefing in Dhaka.
He added that the remaining ten officers include nine retired personnel and one awaiting retirement, who are also under investigation.
Army Acknowledges Morale Impact
Major General Hakimuzzaman admitted the move could affect troop morale ahead of the next general elections, expected in February 2026, but stressed that the army would “remain committed to justice.”
“I cannot deny that these arrest warrants have an impact on us, but we are determined to see justice done,” he said.
Interim Government’s Investigation
The country’s interim administration, headed by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus, established a commission to probe the disappearance cases shortly after Hasina’s ouster. According to officials, the panel has so far received around 1,700 complaints.
The accused officers are scheduled to appear before the International Crimes Tribunal on October 22. This is the first time such a large number of high-ranking serving and retired military officials in Bangladesh are expected to face civilian trials.
Background: Hasina’s Fall From Power
Bangladesh’s political turmoil began in July 2024, when widespread student-led demonstrations erupted over controversial government job quotas. The protests escalated after a violent government crackdown, eventually forcing Sheikh Hasina to resign on August 5, 2024. She subsequently departed for India shortly after stepping down.
