Army takes 15 military officers into custody over ‘crimes against humanity’

The Bangladesh Army has said it took 15 of its officers into custody following warrants issued against 30 over alleged involvement in enforced disappearances and crimes against humanity.

The information was revealed at a media briefing at the Army Headquarters on Saturday amid calls to arrest and prosecute the suspects.

The International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday issued arrest warrants against 30 people after accepting charges filed by the prosecution in two cases involving crimes against humanity for the abduction and torture of political dissidents during the Awami League regime.

Of the suspects, 17 were allegedly involved in torture at the Rapid Action Battalion’s Taskforce Interrogation (TFI) Cell, while 13 others face charges involving abuses inside the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC).

Deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina was named the key suspect in both cases. Her defence and security advisor, retired Maj Gen Tarique Ahmed Siddique, and five former heads of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) were also among those facing charges.

Of the 30 suspects, 25 are current or former Army officers, the media briefing said. 15 serving officers are now in military custody, while one remains on the run.