A Corrupted Force
brutality and repression against opposition activists in Bangladesh have been a longstanding issue that has raised concerns from human rights organisations and activists both within the country and internationally. Recent data and reports highlight the extent of violence and abuse perpetrated by law enforcement agencies such as the police and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) against individuals critical of the government.
According to The Human Rights Watch World Report 2021, security forces in Bangladesh have engaged in arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, custodial torture, and extrajudicial killings targeting opposition activists and dissenting voices. The report also noted that the authorities have used excessive force to suppress protests and silence peaceful assembly, resulting in injuries and deaths.
In 2020, the Odhikar human rights organisation documented 805 cases of extrajudicial killings, disappearances, and torture committed by law enforcement agencies in Bangladesh. These cases included the deaths of opposition activists in custody, alleged encounters with security forces, and forced disappearances with little to no accountability for those responsible.
One high-profile case that garnered international attention was the abduction and subsequent killing of writer and activist Mushtaq Ahmed while in government custody in February 2021. This incident sparked outrage and calls for justice both within Bangladesh and beyond.
The impact of such repression and brutality on human rights and democracy in Bangladesh is profound. The fear of harassment, violence, and persecution has silenced dissenting voices and restricted freedom of expression and assembly. The lack of accountability for security forces’ actions has eroded trust in the justice system and undermined the rule of law.
The root causes of police brutality and repression in Bangladesh are complex and multifaceted. Political polarization, lack of independence of law enforcement agencies, impunity for human rights violations, and a culture of fear and silence are among the factors that perpetuate such behaviour.
As the year 2010 rolled in, Bangladesh found itself under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for 15 years. During her tenure, the police force became increasingly politicized, serving as a tool for the ruling party to suppress opposition voices. The once-respected law enforcement agency had now turned into a weapon of repression in the hands of the government.
Police officers were no longer seen as protectors of the people but as enforcers of the regime’s will. Under orders from above, they targeted opposition party members, fabricating false accusations to silence dissent. Many innocent individuals found themselves behind bars, facing trumped-up charges and enduring brutal treatment at the hands of the authorities.
The politicisation of the police force not only undermined the rule of law but also eroded trust in the justice system. Rather than upholding justice and serving the people, the police had become a tool for the regime to maintain its grip on power. As a result, opposition activists lived in fear of arbitrary arrest, harassment, and even extrajudicial killings at the hands of the authorities.
In this toxic environment, the democratic rights of the people were severely restricted. The government used the ruthless police force to control and manipulate the electoral process, ensuring victory for the ruling party at any cost. Opposition politicians faced constant intimidation and violence, making it nearly impossible for them to campaign freely and fairly.
The corruption within the police force was further exacerbated by high-ranking officials like Benazir Ahmed, the former chief of Bangladesh police. His involvement in unlawful activities highlighted the deep-rooted issues within the institution, where accountability was lacking, and impunity prevailed.
As Bangladesh entered the year 2024, the police force continued to serve as a tool of repression, targeting opposition activists and stifling democratic dissent. The legacy of politicization and corruption cast a dark shadow over the country, leaving many to wonder if justice and accountability would ever prevail in the face of such brutality and oppression.

Targeting Opposition Voices
The oppressive tactics of the police force and other law enforcement agencies, such as the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), were particularly evident in their ruthless targeting of opposition party members. In numerous cases, individuals affiliated with opposition parties were unjustly arrested, detained, and even killed on false accusations and fabricated charges.
The government’s crackdown on opposition activists led to a wave of violence and injustice across the country. BNP (Bangladesh Nationalist Party) members, in particular, bore the brunt of this repression, with many facing arbitrary arrests, torture, and even death while in custody. The brutal tactics employed by the police and RAB instilled fear and terror among opposition supporters, further stifling their ability to engage in peaceful political activities.
The harsh reality of Bangladesh’s political landscape was marred by the constant threat of state violence and oppression. The government’s control over the police force and security agencies allowed them to manipulate and suppress democratic activities, especially during election periods. Opposition parties were systematically targeted and marginalized, making it nearly impossible for them to compete on a level playing field.
The lack of accountability within the law enforcement agencies perpetuated a culture of impunity, where officers could act with impunity and commit human rights abuses without fear of consequences. The unchecked power of the police force became a tool for the government to crush dissent and maintain its grip on power at all costs.
As the years passed, the situation only worsened, with opposition activists facing increased harassment and violence at the hands of the authorities. The crackdown on political opposition was a clear violation of human rights and democratic principles, further eroding the foundations of a free and fair society.
Despite international outcry and calls for accountability, the repression and brutality of the police and other law enforcement agencies against opposition activists in Bangladesh continued unabated. The stories of those who faced persecution and injustice at the hands of the authorities served as a stark reminder of the urgent need for reform and accountability within the country’s law enforcement institutions.

The Shadow of Fear
As the government’s repression of opposition activists in Bangladesh continued to escalate, the shadow of fear loomed large over the country. The brutal tactics employed by the police force and other law enforcement agencies had created a climate of intimidation and terror, where speaking out against the regime came with grave consequences.
Opposition party members faced constant surveillance, harassment, and arbitrary arrests, with many languishing in prison on false charges. The authoritarian regime, under the guise of maintaining law and order, used the police force as a weapon to crush dissent and silence any voices of opposition.
During election periods, the government’s control over the police force became even more pronounced as they sought to manipulate the electoral process in their favour. Opposition candidates and supporters were systematically targeted, with cases of false accusations and politically motivated arrests becoming all too common.
The corruption within the police force only exacerbated the situation, with high-ranking officials like Benazir Ahmed setting a precedent for misconduct and abuse of power. The lack of accountability within the institution enabled a culture of impunity, where officers operated above the law and escaped punishment for their actions.
As the year 2023 approached, the crackdown on political opposition in Bangladesh reached new heights of brutality and repression. The stories of BNP activists who had been killed or died in prison served as a chilling reminder of the heavy toll that dissent could exact in a country where democratic freedoms were under siege.
The government’s stranglehold on the police force and its blatant disregard for human rights and the rule of law painted a grim picture of a nation where justice and accountability were but distant dreams. As opposition activists continued to bear the brunt of state
violence and oppression, the need for international intervention and pressure on the Bangladesh government became increasingly urgent. The fight for justice and democracy in the face of repression and brutality would be a long and arduous one, but one worth fighting for the sake of the people of Bangladesh.

The Cry for Justice
The cries of injustice echoed throughout Bangladesh as opposition activists continued to face relentless repression and brutality at the hands of the police and other law enforcement agencies. The legacy of politicisation and corruption within the law enforcement institution had created a culture of fear and impunity, where basic human rights were routinely violated with no consequences.
The government’s ruthless tactics to suppress dissent and maintain its grip on power had pushed the country into a state of authoritarianism. Opposition party members lived under constant threat of arbitrary arrest, torture, and even extrajudicial killings, all in the name of preserving the regime’s power at any cost.
The manipulation of democratic processes through the use of a politicised police force had eroded trust in the electoral system and undermined the very foundations of democracy in Bangladesh. The voices of the opposition were silenced, and their rights trampled upon, as the government used every means at its disposal to ensure victory in elections, regardless of the cost to human rights and justice.
The corruption within the police force, exemplified by high-ranking officials like Benazir Ahmed, further exacerbated the situation, casting a shadow of doubt over the integrity of the institution. Instances of false cases being filed against opposition candidates and activists as elections neared highlighted the depths to which the police force had sunk in service to the ruling regime.
As the international community looked on in horror at the human rights abuses and repression taking place in Bangladesh, calls for accountability and justice grew louder. The need for reform within the police force and other law enforcement agencies became more urgent than ever, as the lives and rights of opposition activists hung in the balance.
The fight for justice and democracy in Bangladesh was far from over. The struggle against repression and brutality would require unwavering determination and international solidarity to hold the government accountable for its actions and pave the way for a future where the rule of law and respect for human rights prevailed over tyranny and oppression.

The Struggle for Accountability
As the shadows of repression and brutality continued to loom large over Bangladesh, the struggle for accountability within the police force and other law enforcement agencies became a central focus for the opposition and human rights activists. The widespread abuses and violations committed by the authorities could not be ignored, and the call for justice grew louder with each passing day.
Despite the government’s best efforts to suppress dissent and silence opposition voices, the resilience of those fighting for justice and democracy remained unwavering. The stories of BNP activists who had been killed or died in prison served as a grim reminder of the high cost of speaking out against the regime and the urgent need for accountability for those responsible.
The corruption within the police force, exemplified by individuals like Benazir Ahmed, highlighted the need for systemic reforms that would hold accountable those who abused their power and violated the rights of the people. The culture of impunity that permeated the institution had to be dismantled to restore faith in the rule of law and ensure that justice prevailed over tyranny.
The cries for justice and accountability reverberated throughout Bangladesh, resonating with all those who had suffered at the hands of a repressive state apparatus. The international community stood witness to the human rights abuses and political repression taking place in the country, calling for immediate action to hold the government accountable for its actions.
As the year 2024 approached, the stakes were higher than ever for those fighting for democracy and human rights in Bangladesh. The struggle against repression and brutality had become a defining moment in the country’s history, a test of resilience and determination in the face of overwhelming odds.
The fight for justice and accountability within the police force and other law enforcement agencies was far from over. It would require the collective efforts of all those who believed in the fundamental principles of democracy and human rights to stand united against oppression and demand a future where the rule of law and justice prevailed for all.

The Path to Justice
The calls for reform within the police force and other law enforcement agencies reverberated throughout the country, gaining widespread support from civil society, human rights organisation s, and the international community. The voices of the oppressed could no longer be silenced, and their demands for justice could not be ignored.
The legacy of politicisation and corruption within the law enforcement institutions had cast a dark shadow over Bangladesh for far too long. The abuses and violations committed by the authorities had taken a heavy toll on the lives and rights of opposition activists and ordinary citizens, fuelling a collective outrage and resolve to hold those responsible to account.
As the government’s grip on power was increasingly challenged by the growing movement for justice and democracy, the need for systemic reforms within the police force became more pressing than ever. The culture of impunity that had long shielded the perpetrators of human rights abuses and political repression had to be dismantled to pave the way for a future where the rule of law and accountability prevailed.
The year 2024 stood as a critical juncture in Bangladesh’s history, a moment where the collective will of the people to seek justice and uphold their rights would be put to the test. The struggle for accountability was not just a fight for the victims of repression and brutality but a fight for the soul of the nation, a commitment to a future where democracy and human rights were upheld and protected for all.
The path to justice was a challenging one, filled with uncertainty and risks, but those who believed in the power of truth and accountability pressed forward, guided by the light of hope and the unwavering belief that a better, more just future was not just possible but within reach. The journey towards accountability and justice in Bangladesh had only just begun, but with determination and solidarity, the people marched forward, united in their quest for a brighter tomorrow.

A New Dawn for Democracy
As the movement for accountability and justice gained momentum in Bangladesh, a new dawn for democracy began to emerge on the horizon. The collective efforts of activists, human rights defenders, and ordinary citizens had ignited a spark of hope that could be extinguished, despite the challenges and obstacles they faced along the way.
The demands for reform within the police force and other law enforcement agencies grew louder, resonating with all those who believed in the fundamental principles of justice, democracy, and human rights. The stories of those who had suffered at the hands of a repressive state apparatus fuelled a sense of urgency and determination to hold the perpetrators accountable and ensure that such abuses never happened again.
The international community’s support and solidarity with the people of Bangladesh further bolstered the movement for accountability, shining a spotlight on the human rights abuses and political repression taking place in the country. Calls for justice echoed across borders, demanding action and accountability for the atrocities committed against opposition activists and ordinary citizens.
As the year 2024 unfolded, the struggle for justice and democracy reached a pivotal moment, where the hopes and dreams of a nation rested on the collective resolve of its people to stand up against tyranny and oppression. The fight for accountability was not just about seeking retribution for past wrongs but about building a future where the rule of law, respect for human rights, and democratic freedoms were upheld and protected for generations to come.
The path to justice was not an easy one, and the road ahead was filled with challenges and uncertainties. However, with unwavering determination, solidarity, and a shared commitment to a better future, the people of Bangladesh marched forward, united in their quest for a country where justice and democracy flourished, and the voices of the oppressed were heard and valued.
The dawn of a new era for democracy in Bangladesh was on the horizon, and with each step forward towards accountability and justice, the promise of a brighter tomorrow grew stronger. The fight for a more just and democratic society was far from over, but with a renewed sense of hope and determination, the people of Bangladesh stood ready to embrace the challenges ahead and build a future where freedom, justice, and democracy reigned supreme.

Building a Future of Accountability
The demand for reform within the police force and other law enforcement agencies grew louder, becoming a rallying cry for all those who believed in the values of justice, democracy, and human rights. The need to hold accountable those responsible for the abuses and violations committed against opposition activists and ordinary citizens became a priority for the nation.
The calls for justice reverberated through the streets, echoing the hopes and aspirations of a people yearning for a future free from tyranny and oppression. The legacy of politicisation and corruption within the law enforcement institutions had cast a dark shadow over Bangladesh for far too long, but the movement for change was a beacon of light in the darkness.
As the year 2024 progressed, the struggle for accountability entered a critical phase where the resolve and resilience of the people would be put to the test. The fight for justice was not just a quest for retribution but a collective effort to build a society where the rights and dignity of all were respected and upheld.
The path towards accountability was paved with challenges and obstacles, but the people of Bangladesh remained undeterred in their pursuit of a better, more just future. The international community’s support and solidarity further strengthened the movement for justice, amplifying the voices of the oppressed and underscoring the urgency of the moment.
The journey towards accountability and justice was a long and arduous one, but with unwavering determination and solidarity, the people of Bangladesh inched closer towards a future where the rule of law and respect for human rights prevailed. The fight for a more just and democratic society was far from over, but with each step forward, the promise of a brighter tomorrow grew stronger, illuminating the path towards a future of accountability and justice for all.
The impact of repression and brutality by the police, law enforcement agencies, and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) against opposition activists in Bangladesh is deeply concerning and has far-reaching implications for society, democracy, and the rule of law in the country. Over the years, there have been numerous incidents of abuse of power, violence, and human rights violations carried out by these authorities, leading to a climate of fear and impunity.
Statistics and evidence reflect the gravity of the situation, with reports of extrajudicial killings, enforced disappearances, torture, and arbitrary detention of opposition activists.
These actions not only violate fundamental human rights but also undermine the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Such repression and brutality create a culture of fear and silence dissent, ultimately restricting the space for political participation and freedom of expression in Bangladesh.
The long-term consequences of such actions are dire and can have a lasting impact on the fabric of society. A climate of fear and repression inhibits democratic values and institutions, erodes trust in law enforcement agencies, and creates a sense of insecurity among citizens. Moreover, unchecked power and impunity can lead to a breakdown of the rule of law, further weakening democratic governance and accountability in the country.
To address these issues and promote justice, accountability, and transparency in law enforcement, it is crucial to institute meaningful reforms and safeguards. Firstly, there needs to be an independent and impartial investigation into all allegations of abuse and human rights violations by law enforcement agencies. Perpetrators must be held accountable for their actions, and victims must be provided with redress and compensation.
Secondly, there should be safeguards in place to prevent further abuse of power, such as robust oversight mechanisms, training on human rights standards for law enforcement personnel, and strengthening of institutional checks and balances. Civil society, media, and international organisation s play a crucial role in monitoring and advocating for accountability in law enforcement.
Lastly, the government of Bangladesh must demonstrate a commitment to upholding human rights, promoting the rule of law, and respecting democratic values. Reforms should be carried out in consultation with civil society and opposition parties to ensure inclusivity and transparency in the process.
In conclusion, the repression and brutality by police, law enforcement agencies, and RAB against opposition activists in Bangladesh pose a significant threat to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. It is imperative that these issues are addressed urgently through comprehensive reforms and accountability measures to ensure justice, fairness, and respect for human rights for all citizens. By taking action now, we can pave the way for a more just and inclusive society in Bangladesh.