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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal – Vol. 10, No. 7
Publication Date: July 25, 2023
DOI:10.14738/assrj.107.15230
Gabbay, S. M. (2023). Caught in the Crossfire: Bangladesh's Erosion of Human Rights in the Battle Against Terrorism and Religious
Extremism. Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(7). 420-427.
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Caught in the Crossfire: Bangladesh's Erosion of Human Rights in
the Battle Against Terrorism and Religious Extremism
Shaul M. Gabbay
Global Research Institute,
Posner Center for International Development, Denver, CO USA
ABSTRACT
Egregious human rights violations are prevalent in Bangladesh, with torture and ill- treatment deeply ingrained within the country's law enforcement agencies,
intelligence organizations, paramilitary groups, and security forces. This paper
explores the rampant use of torture as a powerful tool to suppress political
opponents, silence dissenting voices, and control vulnerable communities, while
instilling fear among ordinary citizens. Despite enacting legislation and ratifying
international conventions against torture, Bangladesh continues to struggle with a
culture of impunity and lack of implementation, hindering independent
investigations and delayed prosecutions. The historical context reveals the roots of
violence and torture in Bangladesh, including the tragic genocide in 1971. Political
instability, polarization, and the rise of religious extremism have further
exacerbated the issue. The international dimension highlights external pressures,
particularly from the United States and its allies, urging Bangladesh to combat
terrorism and religious extremism. As a critical player in regional counterterrorism
efforts, Bangladesh faces the challenge of balancing strong measures with human
rights protection. The paper emphasizes the need for comprehensive reforms,
strengthened accountability, and independent investigations to address the deeply
ingrained practice of torture. By upholding international obligations, fostering a
culture of transparency, and respecting human rights, Bangladesh can pave the way
for a more equitable and rights-respecting society. Only through concerted efforts
can the legacy of violence and torture be transformed into a commitment to protect
the dignity and rights of all its citizens, ensuring a brighter future for Bangladesh
and its people.
Keywords: torture, suppression, detention, impunity, corruption
INTRODUCTION
Appalling human rights violations are prevalent in Bangladesh. This paper explores the
rampant and entrenched use of torture and ill-treatment by state actors. The practice of torture
is deeply ingrained within the country's law enforcement agencies, intelligence organizations,
paramilitary groups, and security forces. It serves as a powerful tool to extract forced
"confessions," suppress political opponents, silence dissenting voices, and control vulnerable
communities, while instilling fear among ordinary citizens.
Members of law enforcement agencies enjoy impunity, shielded by successive governments,
who implicitly validate their actions in silencing opposition and critics. Reports consistently
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Gabbay, S. M. (2023). Caught in the Crossfire: Bangladesh's Erosion of Human Rights in the Battle Against Terrorism and Religious Extremism.
Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal, 10(7). 420-427.
URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.14738/assrj.107.15230
highlight incidents of torture occurring during police custody, leading to tragic deaths in
custody.
The paper also addresses the international dimension of the issue, as the U.S. Department of
State has expressed concern over the government's use of law enforcement agencies and
security forces to quell political rivals and dissenting voices. Additionally, allegations of
corruption, arbitrary detentions, harassment, and intimidation by law enforcement agencies
have further exacerbated the human rights situation in the country.
Despite enacting the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention) Act in 2013 and ratifying the UN
Convention against Torture, Bangladesh continues to struggle with a culture of impunity and
lack of implementation. This pervasive culture hampers independent investigations and delays
prosecutions, perpetuating the cycle of human rights abuses. Furthermore, this paper highlights
the unfortunate reality of law enforcement agencies being considered among the most corrupt
institutions within the country.
TERRORISM IN BANGLADESH
One can’t deny the need for Bangladesh to be assertive in its quest to tame terrorism. The
country has emerged as a prominent hotspot in the global fight against religious extremism.
Situated at the crossroads of South Asia, this densely populated nation faces unique challenges
due to its political landscape, socio-economic disparities, and religious diversity. Over the years,
it has grappled with the rise of terrorist activities, becoming a critical concern for both regional
and international actors.
Roots of Terrorism
The roots of terrorism in Bangladesh can be traced back to various factors, with a significant
one being the political climate characterized by polarization and instability. The country's
political landscape has been marked by a prolonged power struggle between major political
parties, leading to the exploitation of religious sentiment for political gains. As a result,
extremist groups find fertile ground to promote their ideologies and recruit disillusioned
individuals, especially among the youth.
The rise of religious extremism has further exacerbated the terrorism challenge in Bangladesh.
Radicalization within certain segments of the population, often driven by ideological beliefs, has
led to the formation of militant outfits seeking to impose their extremist agendas on society.
The influence of transnational terrorist organizations, such as Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State
(IS), has also been a cause for concern, inspiring local groups to align with their global
objectives.
Pressures to Address Terrorism
The pressure to counter terrorism and religious extremism in Bangladesh has not only come
from within but also from external actors, particularly the United States and its allies. Given the
global nature of terrorism, the international community recognizes the significance of
addressing the problem at its roots. As such, Bangladesh has faced increasing pressure to crack
down on terrorist activities and dismantle extremist networks operating within its borders.
The United States and its allies view Bangladesh's stability and security as crucial components
in combating terrorism in the broader South Asian region. They emphasize the need for
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Advances in Social Sciences Research Journal (ASSRJ) Vol. 10, Issue 7, July-2023
Services for Science and Education – United Kingdom
Bangladesh to take decisive action against terrorist groups, disrupt their financing, and share
intelligence to prevent potential attacks both domestically and internationally. The country's
strategic location also makes it a critical player in regional counterterrorism efforts.
In response to international pressure and recognizing the importance of addressing terrorism,
Bangladesh has taken measures to strengthen its counterterrorism capabilities. The
government has launched numerous operations against terrorist cells, resulting in the arrest of
key operatives and the disruption of their activities. Additionally, Bangladesh has increased
cooperation with foreign intelligence agencies and law enforcement bodies to share
information and coordinate efforts.
Challenges vs. Solutions
However, despite these efforts, challenges remain. Bangladesh's law enforcement agencies and
judicial systems face obstacles in effectively prosecuting terrorists, often due to resource
constraints and a lack of specialized training. The issue of radicalization and recruitment within
prisons also poses a significant challenge, as incarcerated extremists continue to propagate
their ideologies to other inmates.
Bangladesh finds itself in the center of the fight against terrorism and religious extremism,
grappling with domestic and international pressure to address this pressing issue. The
country's political climate, socio-economic disparities, and religious diversity contribute to the
complex challenge of combating terrorism. While Bangladesh has taken steps to enhance its
counterterrorism capabilities, the need for sustained efforts, international cooperation, and
innovative approaches remains paramount to effectively root out terrorism and ensure lasting
stability in the region.
While there is an undeniable need for Bangladesh to employ robust measures in tackling the
pressing issue of terrorism, the crux of the matter lies not in the necessity itself, but in the
manner of implementation. Urgency is real, and the challenges are significant. However, the
overzealous enforcement of these measures and the alarming lack of self-restraint in violating
human rights in the zealous pursuit of controlling not only terror suspects but also political
opponents demand our examination. Moreover, the egregious use of torture despite
Bangladesh being a signatory to the Convention against Torture raises further concerns that
warrant scrutiny.
A STUBBORN HISTORY OF HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSE
Since gaining independence in 1971, Bangladesh has faced a tumultuous history marked by
instances of violence, political strife, and human rights abuses. The use of violence and torture
has been pervasive in the country, with various state actors employing these measures to assert
control, suppress dissent, and combat terrorism. There is a dark history of violence and torture
in Bangladesh since its independence, shedding light on the key events and patterns that have
shaped the nation's trajectory.
Post-Independence Political Unrest
In the aftermath of gaining independence from Pakistan, Bangladesh encountered political
instability and turmoil. The country's nascent democracy struggled to establish a stable
governance framework, leading to frequent changes in leadership and power struggles among