Dhaka, Feb 01 (V7N) — A new report from Human Rights Watch (HRW) claims Bangladesh’s political leadership directed police to use excessive force during last year’s July uprising, leading to deadly crackdowns on protesters and bystanders.

The 50-page report, "After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh," was presented to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on January 28. It details disturbing allegations of police brutality, abductions, and post-protest violence, pointing directly to top government officials as the source of the orders.

According to HRW, multiple police officers confirmed they acted on directives from political leaders. “The role of the police was determined more by political leaders than by the officers in the field,” one officer told investigators.

The report describes how officers were instructed to use lethal force, including shooting at onlookers to create fear. Another officer recounted orders to "apply the highest force, take a hardline approach, and do whatever necessary to control the situation."

HRW also alleges that senior officials at Dhaka Metropolitan Police Headquarters monitored live CCTV footage and issued real-time shoot-to-kill orders, treating the crackdown like a video game. The chain of command reportedly extended from Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and Inspector General of Police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun down to Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Habibur Rahman and his deputies.

In a leaked video from August, a police officer was seen justifying their actions to the home minister, saying, "We shoot one dead, or we wound one, and that is the only one that falls. The rest don’t budge, sir."

Disappearances and Deadly Violence

HRW’s report also highlights allegations of enforced disappearances and post-protest violence. On July 26, six student movement leaders were reportedly abducted by plainclothes officers after seeking medical treatment for injuries sustained in clashes with police and Awami League supporters. The detainees were allegedly held incommunicado for a week and forced to issue a video statement calling off the protests before being released on August 1.

Days later, on August 5, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned and fled the country.

But even after her departure, HRW says police continued to escalate the violence. In Ashulia, officers allegedly set fire to vehicles carrying dead and injured protesters—burning at least one person alive in handcuffs.

Razia Begum, 55, who witnessed the scene, told HRW: "This was the first time in my life that I saw innocent people burned alive this way. When neighbors tried to put out the fire, police turned on them and began shooting. The roads were covered in blood."

HRW is now calling for an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible. The Bangladesh government has not yet responded to the report.

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