Most army members want justice so no govt can again order disappearances or killings: BNP

The BNP has said most members of the Bangladesh Army sincerely want those who crossed the line to face justice, so that no government can ever again issue unlawful orders involving enforced disappearances or extrajudicial killings.

In a statement issued tonight (11 October), signed by party's Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party stated, "BNP believes that fair and impartial trials of related crimes are crucial to protecting the country's democracy, human rights, and the professionalism of the army.

"Justice not only ensures punishment for past incidents but also guarantees that such injustices are not repeated in the future."

The statement stressed that respect for law and human rights is the foundation of a peaceful and accountable state.

"A country must be governed according to the 'law of the land.' The responsibility of certain identified individuals should not be placed on any institution, nor should an institution be questioned for the misdeeds of a few. The responsibility for one's actions, especially serious crimes, rests solely with the individual," it added.

The BNP, describing itself as the main victim of enforced disappearances, killings and political repression under fascism, reiterated its call for impartial trials of all human rights violations, regardless of institutional affiliation.

Enforced disappearance: 15 officers facing warrants taken into custody, 1 missing, says Army HQ

The statement came after the Bangladesh Army confirmed that 15 officers — facing arrest warrants in separate cases over enforced disappearances and torture allegedly committed during the Awami League's rule — had been taken into military custody.

Major General Md Hakimuzzaman, adjutant general of the Bangladesh Army, disclosed the information at a press briefing held at the Officers' Mess in Dhaka Cantonment earlier in the day.