The global community has expressed concern over violent responses to peaceful protests in Bangladesh, implicating security forces and political groups in excessive and deadly force against civilians.
Fortify Rights, a human rights organization, released findings on Tuesday urging Bangladesh's interim government to hold accountable those responsible for violence during recent protests and support affected families.
In July and August 2024, violent crackdowns occurred during mass protests across Bangladesh’s major cities, led by students and members of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement, calling for greater government transparency.
Fortify Rights reported that the Awami League, under Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, played a key role in suppressing these protests violently.
In August and September 2024, Fortify Rights interviewed 44 survivors, witnesses, and families, revealing harsh violence, including live ammunition and random gunfire by police, Border Guard Bangladesh, and pro-government groups like Chhatra League and Jubo League.
The Health Ministry later reported more than 1,000 protest-related deaths over the two months.
Numerous testimonies from victims and witnesses show the extent and brutality of the crackdown.
One notable case is of Sajedur Rahman Omar, a 22-year-old IT student, who was shot and killed during a peaceful protest in Dhaka on 21 July.
A friend who witnessed the incident recalled being among a small group of 60 unarmed protesters when police allegedly opened fire without provocation, killing Omar.
Mohammad Shuvo, a 16-year-old bystander, was fatally shot in Dhanmondi on 19 July while helping an injured protester.
His mother, who lived nearby, described how helicopters released tear gas and live bullets, targeting students and civilians alike.
In Mohammadpur, Dhaka, 19-year-old Mahamudur Rahman Shoikot was shot in the head by police while attempting to escape advancing officers.
A shopkeeper who witnessed the scene mentioned that the excessive shooting left bullet marks on nearby buildings, and Shoikot died instantly from his injuries.
The aftermath of these killings intensified the pain for the victims' families, as police and government officials often delayed releasing the bodies.
A man who tried to claim his nephew Maruf Hossain's body described a days-long struggle involving bureaucratic delays and conflicting instructions from police and hospital staff.
Hossain had been shot in the stomach during a protest on 17 July and died on his way to Dhaka Medical Hospital.
His family was only able to recover his body after six days and several attempts at different police stations and morgues.
Abdul Hudud Akon, a 45-year-old man, was fatally shot by police on 19 July in Dhaka.
Despite the family's persistence, officials required them to sign a false statement attributing his death to protesters before releasing his body.
The violent crackdowns in Bangladesh have drawn international concern.
Bangladesh is bound by international human rights law, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both guaranteeing peaceful assembly rights.
The Bangladesh Constitution also protects the right to peaceful protest.
The UN Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials and the Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms dictate that law enforcement should use force only when necessary, ensuring proportionality.
Fortify Rights found that security forces disregarded these standards by targeting protester's heads and faces with both lethal and non-lethal ammunition.
Fortify Rights’ Director, John Quinley, stressed that the interim government must prioritize accountability to end the “culture of impunity” surrounding these events.
He called for accountability from those responsible, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, highlighting the need for systemic reform and justice to achieve lasting peace and security.
The International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh issued arrest warrants for former Prime Minister Hasina and over 40 individuals allegedly involved in crimes against humanity related to the protest suppression.
In August 2024, at the request of the interim government, the UN initiated a fact-finding mission to investigate and recommend actions to prevent future abuses.
On 17 October, the interim government announced compensation of $88,000 to the families of victims from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement.
The government has also sought international assistance to support accountability efforts and justice for the victims’ families.
Civil society in Bangladesh has strongly supported the victims, calling for thorough investigations into the actions of the security forces and political affiliates involved in the crackdown.
Many have used social media and other platforms to commemorate the victims and demand systemic changes to prevent future abuses.
Some activists worry about delays in justice.
A student leader from Dhaka University said: “It’s a long road ahead,” and emphasized the need for international support to maintain momentum.
As national elections approach, accountability for violent events remains crucial to restoring public trust in the government and security institutions.
Fortify Rights and other human rights organizations have highlighted that the interim government’s response will shape Bangladesh's political future and its commitment to human rights.
The international community has called for Bangladesh to uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of peaceful protesters.
Whether the interim government will take meaningful action toward justice is uncertain, but civil society in Bangladesh remains resolute in demanding accountability.