In a recent report, it has come to light that Michael Chakma, an indigenous rights activist in Bangladesh, was detained for five years without daylight in a secret detention center operated by Bangladesh’s special police unit. Released two days after former prime minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime was challenged, Chakma’s story sheds light on the broader issue of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings in the country. Human rights groups allege that over 600 individuals, mostly political opponents, have suffered similar fates under Hasina’s 15-year rule. With Hasina’s fall, there are calls for transparency, justice, and reform, including demands to prosecute those responsible for the disappearances, form a committee to investigate these human rights violations, and shut down secret detention centers.
- Michael Chakma was detained for five years in a secret detention center in Dhaka without seeing daylight.
- He was released shortly after former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s regime faced challenges from student protests.
- Human rights groups report over 600 victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings during Hasina’s 15 years in power, most of whom were her political opponents.
- Maya, an organization advocating for the families of the missing, demands the prosecution of those behind the disappearances, the formation of an investigative committee, and the release of innocent victims.
- Activists accuse Sheikh Hasina of using repression to maintain power, highlighting a lack of proper opposition in Parliament and a culture of fear among dissenters.
- The head of the interim government, Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, has met with families of the disappeared, promising to deliver justice for the victims.
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