Paris, February 27: The situation in Bangladesh has escalated as police have been ordered to re-arrest leaders of the Awami League, who were recently released on bail. This directive has raised significant concerns among international human rights organizations.
Mohammad Shahjahan, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rajshahi Range Police, issued a “Special Directive” instructing legal agencies to arrest Awami League leaders and activists again, even after they have been granted bail by the courts.
Justice Makers Bangladesh (JMBF), based in France, expressed alarm over the directive issued on February 24, which reportedly instructed police to show the re-arrest of Awami League leaders on other charges. The organization criticized this as a blatant attempt to undermine judicial orders and a clear violation of administrative power.
The human rights group stated, “When a court grants bail, re-arresting an individual through misuse of law undermines constitutional rights and shakes the foundation of the rule of law. Such actions are a clear violation of human rights.”
Furthermore, they added, “The Constitution of Bangladesh guarantees personal freedom, legal protection rights, and access to justice. Presenting a so-called ‘arrest’ after bail from a competent court violates the principles of judicial independence, separation of powers, and constitutional balance.”
JMBF warned that if this practice continues, the country’s legal framework will become merely symbolic, with administrative discretion replacing the rule of law. “This is a dangerous signal for any democratic nation,” they stated.
Shahnur Islam, founder of JMBF, remarked that the coalition government led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) appears to be systematically undermining the rule of law framework, reminiscent of the previous interim government. Under the leadership of new Prime Minister Tariq Rahman, the trend of using government machinery as a tool for political retribution is not only concerning but also perilous for democracy.
He further noted, “The directives to bypass court bail orders for re-arrests are not just administrative errors; they seem to be part of a calculated political strategy. This culture of undermining judicial orders is a blatant disregard for the Constitution and must be stopped immediately.”
JMBF has called for the immediate withdrawal of the “Special Directive,” an end to arrests based on political identity, and full protection of the judiciary, along with the enforcement of court orders. They also demand an independent and impartial investigation commission, with active monitoring by international human rights organizations.
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