Since the July Revolution and the events of August 5, over 2,500 cases of violence have been reported nationwide. Ministers, MPs, bureaucrats, and VIPs from the former Sheikh Hasina government are among those accused in these cases. In addition to these high-profile figures, more than 100 individuals have been named in total. Interestingly, the plaintiffs in these cases are often unfamiliar with most of the accused, except for the political VIPs. Those orchestrating these cases are now allegedly extorting VIPs across the country, with plaintiffs being used as fronts. In one instance, a case filed at the Gulshan police station in the capital involved a demand for 6 crore taka to drop the names of three individuals.
Since August 5, numerous cases have been filed across the country, including in Dhaka, implicating Awami League leaders and activists, bureaucrats identified as government collaborators, businessmen, and both former and current members of law enforcement. Among those arrested in the past three months, 110 VIPs, including 25 policemen, have been detained, with around 15,000 people arrested overall. Sources indicate that the number of arrests remained significant, even in November.
Additionally, a case has been filed against former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, her sister Sheikh Rehana, her son Sajeeb Wazed Joy, her daughter Saima Wazed, several ministers from Hasina's government, senior Awami League leaders, and numerous law enforcement officers. Many individuals have gone into hiding to avoid these cases and the mounting student protests, with some fleeing the country. However, among those remaining in the country, several VIPs and policemen have been arrested.
So far, officials involved in the investigation have remanded those arrested in various cases for questioning. During their remand, many have confessed to the widespread abuse of state machinery to undermine their opponents. In addition to involvement in murder cases, they have provided information on various wrongdoings and corrupt practices of the previous government. Law enforcement is also actively searching for fugitive policemen and several Awami League leaders, including VIPs, who are implicated in multiple cases across the country, including in Dhaka.
Reports indicate that numerous businessmen and prominent individuals have been accused in cases involving extortion of large sums of money from VIPs. Allegations suggest that these individuals used plaintiffs or other intermediaries to demand hefty bribes in exchange for removing names from the cases. Many have reportedly paid large amounts to avoid further harassment, while others are forced to pay exorbitant sums. Victims of this system assert that the true culprits should be held accountable through proper investigation, such as by reviewing evidence or video footage, and that innocent people should not be subjected to further harassment.
Inspector General of Police (IG) Baharul Alam emphasized that the cases filed after August 5 must be thoroughly investigated, ensuring that innocent individuals are not harassed. He stressed that if an innocent person is wrongly named in a case, steps should be taken to have it legally withdrawn through the proper channels.
Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Deputy Commissioner (Media), Muhammad Talebur Rahman, reiterated that there are clear instructions to ensure that only those genuinely involved in the cases are held accountable. He assured that no one would be subjected to undue harassment.
The government of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina collapsed due to the anti-discrimination student movement. In an attempt to suppress the movement, violent attacks were carried out on students across the country. Both directly and indirectly, students were targeted with deadly weapons, and perpetrators openly shot and killed them.
The Central Sub-Committee on Health of the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement Platform reported that approximately 1,581 people lost their lives during the movement, while over 31,000 others were injured. Facing the rising student protests, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fled the country on August 5. Since then, numerous cases have been filed across the country, including in Dhaka, targeting advisors, ministers, state ministers, members of parliament, leaders and activists from Awami League’s coalition partners, and many members of law enforcement agencies.
AIG (Media) of Police Headquarters, Enamul Haque Sagar, stated that numerous cases of violence have occurred during the anti-discrimination student movement across the country, including in Dhaka. Those implicated in these cases are being arrested daily based on specific information. Among those arrested are several policemen, including VIPs. The police remain actively engaged in apprehending those who have not yet been caught.
Lt. Col. Munim Ferdous, Director of the Law and Media Wing at RAB Headquarters, confirmed that both internal and joint operations are underway in connection with the violence tied to the anti-discrimination student movement. Many individuals, including VIPs, have already been arrested. Ongoing investigations are leading to the continued arrest of those involved.
Bd-pratidin English
Translated by Jisan Al Jubair
