More Than 4,500 People Were Killed During Hasina's Rule, Says Law Minister

Photo: Collected

Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Adviser Md. Asaduzzaman has claimed that more than 4,500 people were shot dead in alleged "crossfire" incidents without trial during the past 16 years of Sheikh Hasina's rule.

He made the remarks on Wednesday (August 5) while addressing a special discussion marking the July Mass Uprising and the triennial festival of the Bangladesh Recitation Federation at the National Theatre Hall of the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy in Segunbagicha, Dhaka.

The law adviser also alleged that more than 700 people were victims of enforced disappearance during the same period, while over six million people faced what he described as false and fabricated criminal cases because of their involvement in opposition politics.

He said the July 2024 Mass Uprising was not a sudden event but rather the culmination of 16 years of struggle, sacrifice, and repression. According to him, the success of the uprising was made possible through the sacrifices of those who lost their lives, were forcibly disappeared, or became victims of politically motivated cases.

Referring to the alleged human rights violations under the previous government, Asaduzzaman said more than 4,500 people were killed in so-called crossfire incidents, while the families of over 700 disappeared individuals are still waiting for their loved ones to return.

He further claimed that more than six million people were named in false and fictitious cases. In some instances, he alleged, charges were filed against people who had died years earlier, were performing Hajj in Saudi Arabia, or were physically disabled, including individuals who had lost both hands.

Highlighting the importance of cultural activities, the law adviser said that after assuming office, he learned that recitation had not been officially recognized as an independent branch of the arts in Bangladesh. He added that an amendment passed during the first session of the 13th Jatiya Sangsad formally recognized recitation as a distinct branch of the country's arts and culture, alongside music and dance.

He said recitation helps foster democratic values, free thinking, and humanity, adding that recitation artists have an important role to play in building an egalitarian, democratic, and violence-free society. He assured that the government would continue to support such initiatives.