Dhaka: Former Bangladesh Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Muhammad Yunus-led interim government, accusing it of grave human rights abuses and asserting that the rule of law in the country has completely collapsed.
In a post on X, Arafat alleged that since July 15, 2024, “as part of a meticulously planned design by Muhammad Yunus,” a militant group comprising his so-called student followers has carried out a series of violent attacks across Bangladesh. These, he said, include the killings of police officers, Awami League leaders and activists, members of minority communities, journalists, lawyers, and cultural figures.
He further claimed that the perpetrators of these attacks have been granted immunity or indemnity, effectively barring any legal proceedings against “murderers or those who destroyed state property,” thereby denying victims any chance of justice.
Arafat accused the interim regime of protecting those responsible for broad daylight murders using firearms, machetes, cleavers, and other weapons, while punishing law enforcement officials who tried to maintain order.
“Under the unconstitutional and illegitimate rule of Yunus, who has trampled on human rights, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh — only the reign of extremists,” he asserted.
The Awami League leader also claimed that cases have been filed against police and army personnel for performing their duties during the unrest, with many arrested on fabricated charges of enforced disappearances and killings.
On Wednesday, Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ordered 15 army officers to be jailed over three separate cases of alleged enforced disappearances, killings, and other crimes against humanity reportedly committed during the Awami League government, local media reported.
Earlier, on October 11, the Bangladesh Army headquarters confirmed that the 15 officers had been taken into military custody after being formally charged in the ICT cases.
Last week, former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the arrests, arguing that there was no rule of law under the Yunus-led interim regime.
“I am shocked that the army is being asked to hand over these officers. Where is the law? There is no rule of law in this country. This government is illegitimate, and its actions are unlawful. Why should these officers be surrendered to such a regime?” Hasina said during a virtual address to Awami League leaders in Naogaon.
