The discovery of secret detention centers in Bangladesh has sparked outrage and concern regarding human rights abuses within the country. The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a paramilitary death squad, has been implicated in running these jails. Most disturbingly, one of these facilities is located horrifically close to Dhaka’s international airport. Eyewitness accounts, particularly the testimony of Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, describe shocking realities behind these clandestine sites and give context to what occurred there. They further emphasize claimed ties to senior government authorities, such as directives from Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Quasem, a lawyer in his forties, has recently shared his harrowing experiences of being held in one of these secret prisons. His memories offer a haunting window into the experience of inmates. He welcomed media members into the threadbare cell he was held in for most of his first incarceration. His visit offered a horrifying look at just how brutal his treatment has been.
These black sites which allegedly began their operation at a police detective branch in Dhaka. This was the first suspected site connected to their transnational criminal activities. Frequent arrests frequently included opposition supporters from across the political spectrum, often taken in for little more than being active against the ruling party. Quasem said it’s important to get these stories out. Doing so will not only provide justice for those who have not come home but will assist survivors reintegrating into society.
“It felt worse than death.” – Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem
Their testimonies testify to irrefutable and convincing evidence regarding undocumented facilities in the country of Bangladesh. This strikes at core narratives the government, led by Sheikh Hasina’s Awami League party, has thus far maintained, adamantly denying any involvement. The party’s spokesperson Mohammad Ali Arafat vehemently ruled out the reports of establishment of detention centers. He blamed any of these events on complicated military in-fighting.
“I see [no] political benefit for the Awami League or for the government to keep these people in secret detention.” – Mohammad Ali Arafat
The army has an army’s stake in strongly opposing this denial. Lt Col Abdullah Ibn Zaid, the military’s chief of the public relations department, said the army denies running any secret detention facilities. Tajul Islam, the chief prosecutor for the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, passionately contends that these jails present undisputable proof of Awami League’s human rights violations. His quote underscores the life and death consequences of their negligence.
Quasem’s narrative is not an isolated one. Lt. Col Iqbal Chowdhury, 71, who faced detention at the hands of RAB officers, shared his traumatic story. Retaken from his house at midnight on August 29, 2023, Chowdhury still believed that he was close to being killed.
“The fear has not gone away. The fear will remain until I die.” – Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem
As much as Chowdhury would like to return to Bangladesh, he is still under the threat that violence could be used against him. Unfortunately, his experience is emblematic of the current climate of fear prevalent all across the country. This sentiment is understandably acute among people who have stood against government overreach.
Quasem pointed to the fact that the perpetrators of these abuses are still in power in the government as an example. We have to embrace a true cycle of accountability. His statement reflects the cycle of accountability that seems to be lacking in today’s political environment.
“The high officials, the top brass who aided and abetted, facilitated the fascist regime are still in their position.” – Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem
Quasem and Chowdhury’s testimonies paint a harrowing portrait of what it is like inside these covert jails. Their testimonies and firsthand accounts paint a grim picture steeped in hopelessness and seclusion. Chowdhury vividly described the harsh conditions he faced. He was packed into such small quarters that he was unable to lay down flat. His account is a testament to the kind of dehumanizing and cruel treatment that hundreds of thousands of detainees have experienced.
“Even thinking about that place in Dhaka makes me feel horrible. There was no space to lie down properly, so I had to sleep being curled up.” – Rahmatullah
The ramifications of these disclosures call into serious question the state of governance and accountability within Bangladesh. This blatant neglect of basic human dignity in these Detention Centers adds ominous overtones to the national political atmosphere.
Quasem’s plea resonates with many advocates for human rights. It is vital to share these stories and strive for justice. He pledged to make sure that the people who have been missing out on the promises made don’t get overlooked again.
“We need to get our story out, and do whatever we can to ensure justice for those who didn’t return, and to help those who are surviving to rehabilitate into life.” – Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem
That tide is still changing as new women step forward everyday to tell their stories and fight for justice. Now, the international community is focused squarely on finding evidence and building cases against those most responsible for these abuses.
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