Human Rights Watch (HRW) has submitted a report on the July Uprising to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, stating that officers had informed them that the ousted Bangladesh dictator, "Sheikh Hasina directly ordered enforced disappearances and killings", reports BSS.
A delegation from HRW, led by Elaine Pearson, Asia Director of the renowned human rights group, met with Professor Muhammad Yunus and commended the Interim Government for its reform efforts and initiatives to enhance the rights situation in the country.
"We acknowledge the progress you have made so far," said the HRW Asia chief.
Emphasising that the establishment of rights was a fundamental principle during the July-August Monsoon Revolution, she mentioned that Bangladesh's "ordinary people now recognise the significance of human rights" in all aspects of life.
HRW recommended the dissolution of the Rapid Action Battalion, stating that officers responsible for killings and enforced disappearances should be held accountable for their actions.
"There must be some accountability," she emphasized.
Chief Adviser Prof Yunus praised the work of HRW during Sheikh Hasina's dictatorship, noting that its reports over the past 16 years had exposed the widespread crimes committed by the regime.
He mentioned that the RAB had issued a public apology for its crimes, but individual officers accountable for extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances should "face trials and be punished."
Pearson mentioned that security forces were "politicised" during Sheikh Hasina's rule from 2009 to 2024, acting as if they were ruling "party cadres."
"It requires systematic reforms," she added.
Prof Yunus stated, "We are committed to openness and transparency. We are publishing all reform recommendations, allowing the people to decide on the desired reforms. As you have mentioned, undoing 15 years of oppression and crimes will be a challenging endeavor."
