The BRICS TimesFormer Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina fiercely criticized the arrests of military officers. She stated that there is no rule of law in Bangladesh under the Yunus-led interim government.
Awami League’s Arafat Slams Yunus Interim Government
Former Bangladeshi Minister and Awami League leader Mohammad Ali Arafat criticized the interim government. He directed the criticism at Muhammad Yunus on Thursday (October 23, 2025). He accused the Yunus administration of committing human rights violations. Arafat claimed the rule of law has collapsed across the country.
Arafat Alleges Widespread Murders by Extremist Group
Arafat posted his comments on the social media platform X. He said Muhammad Yunus started a calculated plan on July 15, 2024. He claims an extremist group of his so-called student followers emerged. This group has murdered many people in Bangladesh. The victims include police officers, Awami League leaders and activists, and minority community members. Journalists, lawyers, and cultural workers were also targeted.
Perpetrators of Attacks Granted Freedom, Not Justice
He further stated that the perpetrators of these attacks received either freedom or compensation. This means no legal action can be taken against the murderers. No cases can be filed against those who destroyed state property. The victims, therefore, will never be able to seek justice.
Human Rights Violators Roam Free, Says Arafat
Awami League leader Arafat alleged that murderers escaped punishment. These individuals used weapons and sticks for broad daylight killings. He remarked, “In Yunus’s unconstitutional and illegitimate regime, which violates human rights, there is no rule of law in Bangladesh. Only the rule of extremists prevails.”
Police and Military Personnel Face Charges
He claimed cases were registered against police and military personnel. They were simply performing their duties protecting life and property. Their actions were meant to prevent arson and killings. They will now face prosecution for these actions. Several of them have been arrested on fabricated charges. These include enforced disappearances and murders.
Bangladesh ICT Orders Detention of 15 Military Officers
Local media reported the news on Wednesday (October 22, 2025). Bangladesh’s International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) ordered 15 military officers to be jailed. This relates to three separate cases of alleged enforced disappearances and murders. These alleged crimes against humanity happened during the Awami League government’s term. The Bangladesh Army Headquarters announced the officers’ military custody on October 11. This followed formal charges in three cases at the ICT.
Sheikh Hasina Condemns Military Arrests
Former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina severely criticized the officers’ arrests last week. She asserted that no rule of law exists in Bangladesh under the Yunus interim government. Addressing a virtual meeting in Naogaon, she questioned the action. “I am astonished how the army can be expected to hand over these officers to the law,” she asked. “Where is the law? There is no rule of law in this country. This government is illegitimate, and all its actions are unlawful. Why should these officers be handed over to such a government?”
