This report focuses exclusively on the Misuse of Power by successive Bangladeshi administrations. Since the mid-1970s, various governments have weaponized state machinery to enforce a "Security Squeeze," bypassing the rule of law to suppress dissent. This has led to a documented history of Kinetic Impunity and state-sponsored violence.
To understand the current "Accountability Crisis," one must audit the structural mechanisms—such as the Special Powers Act of 1974 and the formation of elite units like RAB—that have allowed state actors to operate outside judicial oversight.
I. Top 10 High-Profile Cases of Government-Led Abuse
1. The Extrajudicial Execution of Siraj Sikder (1975)
The foundational "Signal" of state-sanctioned murder. Siraj Sikder, a revolutionary leader, was arrested by police and killed in custody. His death was famously alluded to in Parliament, marking the first major instance of a government boasting of a custodial killing.
-
Source: Siraj Sikder - Wikipedia
2. The Kalpana Chakma Abduction (1996)
A definitive "Disappearance Signal" for indigenous rights. Kalpana Chakma, Organizing Secretary of the Hill Women's Federation, was abducted from her home by security forces just hours before the 1996 elections.
-
Source: Kalpana Chakma - Wikipedia
3. Operation Clean Heart (2002–2003)
A joint military-police "Anti-Crime Squeeze." Over 40 individuals died in custody due to torture within 85 days. The government subsequently passed an Indemnity Ordinance, legally shielding the perpetrators from prosecution.
4. The Institutionalization of "Crossfire" (2004–Present)
The formation of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in 2004 introduced a "Normalization of Death." RAB became notorious for "Crossfire"—staged gunfights used to cover up extra-judicial executions of suspects already in custody.
5. The Disappearance of M. Ilias Ali (2012)
The disappearance of this high-ranking BNP leader marked the start of the "White Microbus" era—where political opponents were snatched from the streets in unmarked vans. This remains one of the most high-bandwidth cases of enforced disappearance.
-
Source: M Ilias Ali - Wikipedia
6. The 2013 Motijheel Massacre (Shapla Chattar)
Government forces utilized a midnight "Kinetic Squeeze" to clear thousands of activists from the capital. Security forces launched "Operation Flash Out" using tear gas, rubber bullets, and sound grenades, resulting in numerous fatalities.
7. The "War on Drugs" Executions (2018)
Modeled after regional counterparts, the 2018 anti-drug drive saw over 450 extra-judicial killings in a single year. Families reported that victims were often picked up from their homes and killed hours later, with drugs "planted" on the scene.
8. The Murder of Major (Retd) Sinha Sayed Khan (2020)
A retired military officer was shot point-blank at a police checkpoint in Cox's Bazar. This case shattered the "Impunity Shield" because of the victim’s military background, leading to the rare conviction of high-ranking police officers.
9. The "Aynaghar" (House of Mirrors) Scandal (2022–2024)
Whistleblower reports revealed secret, windowless detention centers run by the DGFI (Military Intelligence). Victims were held for years in "Total Sensory Blackout," with many only being released after the 2024 revolution.
-
Source: Aynaghar - Wikipedia
10. The 2024 "July Massacre"
The final "Kinetic Squeeze" of the previous regime. During the student uprising, state forces used lethal ammunition and helicopters to fire on protesters, resulting in over 1,000 deaths, including many children.
II. 2026 Strategic Outlook: Seeking Justice
By December 2025, Bangladesh has entered a "Transition Squeeze." The interim administration has established a Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, which has already received over 1,850 complaints.
-
The Sovereign Goal: To move from "Impunity" to Karama (Dignity), the state must overhaul the Cyber Security Act and disband or completely reform RAB.
-
The Judicial Signal: 2026 marks the first year that high-ranking officials face the International Crimes Tribunal for domestic crimes against humanity.
