Sheikh Hasina's resignation from the post of prime minister and fleeing the country brings new hope for accountability and democratic reform to Bangladesh, said the Human Rights Watch (HRW).
“Sheikh Hasina’s resignation after nearly 15 years of increasing authoritarianism brings new hope for accountability and democratic reform to Bangladesh,” said HRW Deputy Asia Director Meenakshi Ganguly in a statement on Wednesday (7 August).
“The interim government should seize this opportunity to reorient the country toward the rule of law with independent institutions to assure justice for the victims,” she added.
Sheikh Hasina resigned from her position as prime minister of Bangladesh and fled the country following extensive student protests and significant unrest.
The resignation, which took place on 5 August, was announced by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, the army chief, who promised to ensure justice and the formation of an interim government.
The recent unrest in Bangladesh has been marked by severe violence and human rights abuses.
Over the past weeks, approximately 300 individuals have been killed, thousands injured, and more than 10,000 arrested, according to HRW.
The protests, which initially erupted in response to a controversial job quota reinstatement for descendants of 1971 independence war veterans, escalated into widespread demonstrations against perceived corruption, unfair elections, and abuses by security forces.
The situation deteriorated dramatically on 15 July, when security forces and members of the Chhatra League, the Awami League's student wing, attacked demonstrators.
The government’s response included deploying the army and imposing an internet blackout, which led to reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. In an attempt to quell dissent, the authorities conducted mass arrests and charged tens of thousands of protesters.
As protests continued, culminating in a massive demonstration on 4 August calling for Hasina’s resignation, Hasina's resignation came as a response to escalating pressure and violence.
The army's intervention and subsequent announcement of an interim government have been met with calls for the establishment of a transparent justice mechanism and an independent inquiry into the abuses committed during Hasina's tenure.
HRW has urged the interim government to accept United Nations support for an independent investigation and to ensure the release of all political prisoners, including those held in secret detention.
The departure of Sheikh Hasina, who had been in power for nearly 15 years, is seen by some as an opportunity for democratic reform and accountability.
In a related development, the advocacy group Maayer Daak held a demonstration outside the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, demanding relief for families of victims of enforced disappearances.
Notably, two individuals, Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem and Abdullahil Amaan Azmi, who were victims of enforced disappearance, were released on 5 August.
The UN has called for calm and a peaceful transition as Bangladesh navigates this critical juncture.
Despite the resignation, the situation remains volatile, with sporadic violence and attacks on religious minorities and political figures. Activists have urged for vigilance and restraint to prevent further escalation and ensure that the gains made through the protests are not undermined.
HRW has emphasised the need for influential governments to support Bangladesh in its quest for a just and democratic future, cautioning against a return to past abuses and impunity.
