The current government of Bangladesh is facing serious allegations of gross violations of human rights, as disturbing reports have emerged of the arrest of 34 students from various educational institutions, including 24 students from Bangladesh University of Engineering (BUET). The arrests have sparked nationwide concern over the misuse of power and the violation of fundamental rights.
On July 31, the police took action against the students, accusing them of being involved in a ‘secret conspiracy’ and disturbing public security against the government. The charges were filed under the contentious Anti-Terrorism Act at Tahirpur Police Station in Sunamganj. However, the circumstances surrounding their arrests have raised doubts and brought attention to potential human rights abuses.
The police claim that the detained students are associated with the politics of Islami Chhatrashibir, the student organization of Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami. However, it is important to clarify that Islami Chhatrashibir is not a banned organization in Bangladesh, which raises questions about the legality and credibility of the accusations against the students.
According to local residents, the students embarked on a seemingly ordinary boat trip to Tangua Haor, a picturesque destination in Sunamganj district, on the morning of July 30. However, their excursion took a harrowing turn when they were unexpectedly intercepted by police personnel on the northern bank of Haor, far away from any sensitive locations or government facilities. The police used two speedboats to apprehend the students, without any apparent evidence of illegal activities or violence taking place during their outing.
The police administration’s sweeping claims that the students were plotting against the government and intending to disrupt public safety, lives, and property have been met with skepticism and strong criticism. Critics argue that the authorities may be utilizing the Anti-Terrorism Act as a tool to suppress legitimate political dissent and silence opposition voices, thereby violating the students’ fundamental rights to freedom of expression and assembly.
All 24 of the arrested students from BUET, as well as those from different educational institutions, have been publicly identified, potentially exposing them to further risks and harassment. Families and friends of the detained students are seeking information on their well-being and legal status, as their arbitrary arrests have left them in a state of uncertainty and fear.
Secretary General of Sunamganj District Jamaat-e-Islami, Momtazul Hasan Abed, revealed that among the detained individuals, two were workers of the student camp, further complicating the government’s allegations.
The international community, along with human rights organizations, is closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh, expressing grave concern over the alleged human rights violations. The arrests of these students, coupled with reports of harassment against common citizens, dissidents, journalists, and human rights workers, underscore the urgent need for an impartial investigation into the actions of the government.
The international community calls upon the government of Bangladesh to uphold its commitment to human rights, the rule of law, and freedom of expression for all citizens, including students, opposition leaders, journalists, and human rights activists. It is imperative that the rights of individuals are protected, and they are shielded from arbitrary arrests and intimidation, ensuring a democratic and inclusive society in Bangladesh.
