BNP stresses fair trial for past abuses to safeguard military integrity, public trust

The culpability of a few should not tarnish the institution, nor should their misconduct be used to question it, BNP says

The Bangladesh Nationalist Party has said “impartial and transparent” trials are crucial to uphold the professionalism of the Army, particularly concerning members implicated in enforced disappearances and killings during the previous Awami League government.

In a statement signed Friday night by Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi, the party said: “Every member of the Army is a proud son of this country. Most officers surely wish for those who crossed limits to face justice, so that no government can ever again issue unlawful orders involving disappearances or killings.

“The BNP fully supports this universal aspiration.”

The remark comes after the International Crimes Tribunal on Wednesday issued arrest warrants in three cases against 32 individuals, including deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina. Among them, 25 are current or former Army officers.

At a Saturday press briefing at Dhaka Cantonment, Maj Gen Md Hakimuzzaman, the adjutant general of the Bangladesh Army, said 15 of the 25 officers were in service, one had gone on leave pending retirement, 15 were in Army custody, and one remained missing.

The BNP statement said, “The party believes that impartial and transparent trials of these crimes are essential to protect the nation’s democracy, human rights, and the Army’s professionalism.

“Justice does not only ensure punishment for past acts; it prevents future abuses. Full respect for law and human rights is the foundation of a peaceful, accountable state.”

Emphasising the rule of law, the statement added: “The culpability of a few should not be imposed on an institution, nor should the misconduct of individuals be used to question it. Accountability for serious crimes rests solely with the person responsible.”

BNP also highlighted its stance on human rights violations during the entire period of alleged fascist rule, saying: “As the party most affected by enforced disappearances, killings, and oppression, BNP supports justice for all violations.

“Institutional identity is irrelevant; only the individual’s crimes and the rule of law matter. No one’s isolated crime should affect the public’s trust, respect, or confidence in a patriotic armed force -- and it should not.”