Bangladesh’s former prime minister alleges mass arrests, torture and political repression under the ruling BNP government….reports Asian Lite News Desk
Bangladesh’s former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has alleged that the country is witnessing widespread human rights violations, accusing the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) government of using law enforcement agencies to carry out mass arrests, searches and intimidation.
In a statement posted on the Awami League’s social media platform X, Hasina said Bangladesh, which gained independence from Pakistan following the 1971 Liberation War, had descended into a state of impunity.
She claimed that reports of unidentified bodies had become increasingly common across the country, with decomposing bodies being found in rivers, canals and wetlands. She questioned how the authorities could allow the country to reach such a situation.
Criticising the BNP government, Hasina alleged that authorities were conducting raids and mass searches in several areas, including Gopalganj, amid fears of public discontent.
“Fearful of public discontent, the ruling group that came to power through a rigged election is conducting block raids and mass searches in various areas across the country, including Gopalganj, through law enforcement agencies, leading to mass arrests,” she said.
Hasina claimed that between 5,000 and 7,000 people were being arrested daily and that prisons were severely overcrowded. She also alleged that arrested individuals and their family members were being subjected to torture and abuse.
“The torture and abuse of arrested individuals and their family members have exposed the government’s authoritarian character. I strongly condemn and protest against such oppression and injustice,” she added.
The former prime minister further accused the government of attempting to eliminate the Awami League from Bangladesh by denying people the right to associate with the party.
She said the situation in Gopalganj, where she alleged sweeping operations by law enforcement agencies were taking place, had become particularly concerning. According to Hasina, similar conditions were now spreading to other parts of the country.
“Mass arrests and torture have become routine occurrences. What is deeply concerning is that the situation in Gopalganj has now spread across Bangladesh. I demand that the people of this country be guaranteed their basic rights and legal protection,” she said.
Hasina also accused activists of ruling and opposition parties of involvement in land grabbing, looting, extortion, murder, rape and torture. She alleged that large sections of the population were being denied political rights and called for stronger protections for citizens.
Economic crisis and restrictions on freedoms
Hasina also criticised the government’s handling of the economy, alleging that its policies had worsened the country’s financial difficulties.
“There are shortages of gas, electricity, fuel and fertiliser; investment has come to a standstill; mills and factories are closing every day; unemployment is rising; commodity prices are soaring; freedom of expression is being curtailed; people are being indiscriminately dismissed from their jobs; and countless other problems and crises have left the people disoriented and desperate,” she said.
She further alleged that the authorities were creating an atmosphere of fear to prevent public resistance, using law enforcement agencies and what she described as party-backed groups to intimidate citizens.
Hasina said the situation raised serious concerns about Bangladesh’s future, adding that the public was increasingly struggling to go about daily life peacefully.
The allegations were made in a statement published on the Awami League’s X account. The claims could not be independently verified from the information provided.
