Dhaka, July 30, 2024 — Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has condemned the illegal detention of coordinators from the quota reform movement, who were confined at the Detective Branch (DB) office and coerced into announcing the withdrawal of their program via a video message. In a press release issued on Monday, TIB described this incident as a blatant act of falsehood, deceit, and unconstitutional behavior.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman, Executive Director of TIB, criticized the government, ruling party, and state agencies for creating false narratives intended to legitimize rights violations such as extrajudicial killings, arbitrary arrests, and mass detentions. He called these actions self-destructive, anti-public, and theatrical, urging the public to recognize their dangerous and anti-people nature.
Media reports indicate that over 200 cases have been filed across various police stations in Dhaka in connection with the recent violence surrounding the quota reform movement, with more than 213,000 individuals accused. Law enforcement agencies continue to conduct mass arrest campaigns. TIB emphasized that arresting and filing arbitrary cases against ordinary citizens with no connection to the violence is unconstitutional. Despite claims of targeting only those involved in violence, reports suggest that students, professionals, and ordinary citizens, including minors aged 13 to 17, are being indiscriminately arrested and brought to court, violating citizens’ rights as guaranteed by the constitution.
TIB also highlighted allegations of inhumane torture during remand, disregarding directives from higher courts, which constitute severe human rights violations. The organization reminded law enforcement agencies of their constitutional duties and professional oaths, urging them to cease harassing ordinary citizens and stop the brutal repression of students.
Dr. Iftekharuzzaman condemned the abduction of movement coordinators and their forced declaration of withdrawal under duress at the DB office. Media reports suggest that the coordinators were abducted and pressured into making the announcement. The DB’s actions were described as deceitful, aimed at misleading the public, and demonstrating professional bankruptcy. Detaining students without legal basis violates Article 33 of the constitution, and forcing coordinators to withdraw their program breaches Article 35(4). TIB argued that these unconstitutional actions aim to cover up the excessive use of force to suppress the movement.
Dr. Zaman noted that the government has consistently attempted to legitimize unaccountable actions, including internet shutdowns, by fabricating narratives to suppress the quota reform movement. Misunderstanding the peaceful and non-political nature of the movement, the government pushed state agencies to use excessive force, escalating violence. Dr. Zaman called for an end to mass arrests, arbitrary cases, block raids, harassment of ordinary citizens, and distortion of truth. He urged the government to stop its attempts to normalize the situation and to cease all self-destructive activities immediately.
