NCP convener Nahid Islam has said that individuals involved in enforced disappearances, killings, torture, corruption and looting will be identified and brought to justice through proper investigations and legal proceedings.
He made the remarks during an address to the nation broadcast on Bangladesh Television at 7pm on Sunday, February 8.
Nahid alleged that during the past 15 years of Awami League rule, state institutions were used to carry out enforced disappearances, arbitrary arrests, torture and politically motivated cases. He claimed that various organisations and agencies, including law enforcement and intelligence bodies, were utilised for political purposes. According to him, public administration, the judiciary and other state institutions were also affected.
Referring to the political changes following the “July Revolution”, he said several senior figures had fled the country while others were facing trial, and efforts were underway to bring back those abroad. He added that although leadership changes have taken place in parts of the civil administration, police and judiciary, many officials remain in service.
Nahid further alleged that the presence of accused individuals in cantonments and reports of some officers leaving their posts had damaged the reputation of the armed forces. He said the military had been deployed nationwide with magisterial powers to maintain law and order, but criticised what he described as a lack of effective action in identifying suspects, recovering illegal weapons and making arrests under operations such as “Operation Devil Hunt”.
He also said the Commission on Disappearances had received more than 1,850 complaints, alleging that some members within security forces were attempting to obstruct investigations by withholding information.
“Our struggle is to end the culture of injustice and ensure accountability through lawful processes,” Nahid said.