Emboldened by New US Visa Policy, Bangladesh opposition party lists cops involved in political repression
The list has been prepared after cross-checking information provided by the affected BNP leaders and their families from all over the country, party insiders said
The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) has compiled a list of 500 police officers whom they allege have been involved in political repression and brutality against their party members. The list was created based on information provided by affected BNP leaders and their families from across the country. The accusations against these police officers include obstructing opposition party programs, forced disappearances, and killings over the past few years.
According to party insiders, the list was prepared after cross-checking the information provided by BNP leaders and their families, and it contains officers at various ranks. Among the listed officers, 55 are deputy inspectors general, additional deputy inspectors general, and superintendents, while the rest are officers-in-charge, inspectors, and lower-grade officers. Many of them were stationed in the field during the 2018 national election and received promotions later.
A BNP leader, who wished to remain anonymous, stated that the party possesses evidence of the involvement of these police officers in forced disappearances, murders, assaults, and filing false cases against opposition party activists. The leader also mentioned that these officers were allegedly involved in voting irregularities during the 2018 parliamentary elections. The BNP regards their actions as criminal offenses and human rights violations, suggesting that both local and global laws would find them guilty.
Khandaker Mosharraf Hossain, a member of the BNP Standing Committee, announced that the party would utilize the list, along with the accompanying evidence, as necessary. Furthermore, the data would be presented to the international community. Among the 55 senior officials listed, 13 are currently posted in Dhaka division, 11 in Chattogram, 4 in Sylhet, 4 in Mymensingh, 8 in Rangpur, 8 in Rajshahi, and 7 in Khulna division. Most of these officers were stationed in various districts during the 2018 elections.
The BNP established a 14-member committee on May 23 to gather information about individuals involved in attacking opposition party members, filing false cases, and engaging in forced disappearances and murders. The party requested its district leaders to provide evidence-based complaints to the committee. This initiative was taken in response to the United States’ decision to deny visas to individuals, including law enforcement officers and political leaders, who were believed to be responsible for or complicit in undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
The BNP has accused the ruling Awami League government of killing thousands of its leaders and activists since 2009, as well as forcibly disappearing around 600 individuals. The number of cases against BNP members has reached 150,000, with 3.6 million people being named as defendants. Additionally, approximately 20,000 BNP leaders and activists remain in prison.
When approached for comments, an official from the police headquarters requested a copy of the list to provide a response. The BNP has stated that it will keep the names on the list confidential for now. Salahuddin Khan, a member of the BNP data collection committee and a former police officer, mentioned that they have received reports of political oppression by the police from almost all districts.
