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Published : 05 Sep 2025, 12:25 PM
Former Bangladesh Army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan has claimed that tensions have emerged between the interim government and the military leadership over how to prosecute army officers accused of crimes such as enforced disappearances, killings and corruption during the Awami League’s 15 years in power.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, titled “Trial Must Be Held In A Proper Court”, the retired general said differences over accountability for alleged abuses under the ousted regime had created a "chasm" between the Muhammad Yunus administration and the Army top brass.
“The main reason for the chasm between the interim government and the Armed Forces leadership is the difference of opinion over the trial process of military officers involved in heinous crimes such as disappearances, murders and corruption committed during the 15-year of fascist regime,” he wrote.
“In the end, the Army will stand with the people. Therefore, it is the foremost duty of the military leadership to dispel the mistrust that has arisen.”
COMMISSION FINDINGS ON ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCES
Bhuiyan’s comments follow the second interim report of the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, formed by the interim government after it took office in August last year.
The report, submitted on Jun 4, said most cases of enforced disappearance during the Awami League years were carried out by police and intelligence agencies. Victims and witnesses identified the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), the Detective Branch (DB) and the Counter Terrorism and Transnational Crime (CTTC) unit as “the main perpetrators”.
The commission also said it had found credible evidence of involvement by officers of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), National Security Intelligence (NSI) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB).
It cited allegations that the DGFI operated several “torture cells”, the most notorious being "Ayna Ghar", where detainees were kept in complete isolation and subjected to extreme torture.
Two weeks after submitting the report, commission chief, retired justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury, said Bhuiyan himself had told him that while individual Army officers posted to the DGFI or RAB were implicated, the institution as a whole was not complicit -- though it was aware disappearances were taking place.
Chief Advisor Yunus visited several alleged Ayna Ghar sites in February 2025, following public pressure and amid military concerns over who would accompany him on such visits.
After receiving the commission’s second report, Yunus said “gentlemen in society” were involved in enforced disappearances, while Justice Moinul subsequently warned that many officials implicated still sat at the heart of state power.
The government has since moved to codify accountability, granting in-principle approval to the Prevention, Remedy and Protection of Disappearances Ordinance, 2025, ahead of final vetting.
The Army has said it is cooperating with the inquiry and would take action if any personnel are found involved, while also noting that officers on deputation to units like the RAB operate outside the Army’s direct chain of command.
ARMY'S IMAGE 'DAMAGED BY A FEW OFFICERS'
In his post, Bhuiyan, known by his initials IKB, argued that the entire Army should not be blamed for the Awami League’s transgressions.
“The responsibility of the fascist regime does not fall on the entire Armed Forces, rather a few officers have damaged the image of the institution by engaging in such misdeeds for the fulfillment of their vile interests,” he wrote.
“As these crimes are committed against the citizens of the country, the people have the right to know the truth and receive justice. In order to restore trust and good relationship, the military will not take responsibility for these crimes and the criminals.”
In order to protect the military's reputation and restore public faith in the institution, Bhuiyan, who served as the 14th chief of the Bangladesh Army, stressed that those responsible must face trial.
“A professional army is not meant to be associated with such crimes. Yet, some officers, serving narrow partisan interests, have tarnished its honour and exposed the institution to the risk of being judged as criminal in the people’s court. Hence, to free the Armed Forces from this liability, those responsible for such great harm to the nation must face proper trial," he said.
"I firmly believe the entire force is eager to restore a relationship of trust and confidence with the people.”
Since a student-led mass uprising ended the Awami League’s reign on Aug 5, 2024, Bhuiyan has been writing a series of Facebook posts reflecting on his career. These have included commentary on alleged misdeeds during the Awami League era, the role of the Bangladesh Army, the influence of India’s intelligence agency RAW, and other contemporary issues.
bdnews24.com is attempting to reach Bhuiyan for further comment.
