The Human Rights Watch (HRW) in its investigation found ousted Bangladeshi prime minister Sheikh Hasina had directly ordered disappearances and extrajudicial killings during her tenure.
The findings were presented in a report handed over to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus by HRW’s Asia Director Elaine Pearson and her delegation.
The report, focused on the July uprising, claims that officials involved in the disappearances told HRW that Sheikh Hasina or other high-ranking officials were aware of incommunicado detentions, with Hasina herself allegedly giving direct orders in some cases.
HRW praises interim govt's reforms
During the meeting, Pearson praised the reform initiatives of the interim government, describing them as critical steps to improving the country’s human rights landscape.
"We commend you for the progress you have made so far," Pearson said, highlighting the growing awareness among Bangladeshis about the importance of human rights.
The HRW delegation also urged systemic reforms, including the abolition of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and accountability for officials involved in past abuses.
"There needs to be accountability," said Pearson, emphasising that those responsible for extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances must face justice.
Yunus calls for justice
Professor Yunus acknowledged HRW’s role in exposing abuses during Hasina’s rule, describing their reports over the past 16 years as instrumental in uncovering government-sponsored crimes.
While noting that the RAB had issued a public apology for its actions, Yunus insisted that apologies alone were insufficient.
"Those responsible for these heinous crimes must face justice and be punished," Yunus said.
He also expressed support for HRW’s call for lasting reforms, saying, “Undoing 15 years of torture and crimes will be a tough challenge, but we are committed to openness and transparency.”
Politicised security forces and systemic reform
The HRW delegation criticised the politicisation of security forces under Hasina’s administration, accusing them of functioning as “party cadres” rather than neutral entities.
"This requires systemic reform," Pearson remarked, adding that all recommendations from the reform commission would be made public to ensure transparency and public involvement.
Safe zone for Rohingyas in Rakhine
The report also touched on the Rohingya crisis. HRW’s Asia Chief met with officials involved in addressing the displacement of the Rohingya population. The chief adviser reaffirmed his call for the creation of a safe zone in Rakhine to ensure the security of displaced Rohingya returning to their homeland.
He expressed hope that the United Nations, the international community, and the Arakan Army insurgent group would collaborate to ensure the security of the proposed safe zone.
Permanent reforms needed
HRW emphasised that the interim government's reforms must be enduring and that proper oversight mechanisms be established to prevent future abuses by security forces.
The report concluded with a stark warning about the systemic challenges ahead, stressing that accountability and transparency are non-negotiable for a sustainable transformation of Bangladesh’s human rights situation.