With new protests planned in the coming days, the Bangladesh government should ensure that security forces stop using excessive force against protesters, Human Rights Watch said Friday.
The government should appoint an independent commission to investigate the deaths of dozens of protesters, including children, since large-scale street protests began in February, and prosecute anyone responsible for unlawful killings and use of force.
Eyewitness accounts obtained by Human Rights Watch demonstrate that police, the Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have shot live ammunition and rubber bullets into unarmed crowds, conducted sweeping arrests, and used other forms of excessive force during and after protests that began in February and continue.
The use of lethal force has taken place in multiple locations in Dhaka as well as the northern and southern districts of the country, Human Rights Watch said.
‘Security forces confronted with large groups of demonstrators have opened fire on crowds, often without warning, killing unarmed protesters and bystanders,’ said Brad Adams, Asia director at HRW. ‘It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that this stops, and to replace officials who have failed to properly supervise forces under their control.’
Rights groups also called on opposition parties to condemn and take steps to deter rioters.
The government should appoint an independent commission to investigate the deaths of dozens of protesters, including children, since large-scale street protests began in February, and prosecute anyone responsible for unlawful killings and use of force.
Eyewitness accounts obtained by Human Rights Watch demonstrate that police, the Border Guards of Bangladesh (BGB) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have shot live ammunition and rubber bullets into unarmed crowds, conducted sweeping arrests, and used other forms of excessive force during and after protests that began in February and continue.
The use of lethal force has taken place in multiple locations in Dhaka as well as the northern and southern districts of the country, Human Rights Watch said.
‘Security forces confronted with large groups of demonstrators have opened fire on crowds, often without warning, killing unarmed protesters and bystanders,’ said Brad Adams, Asia director at HRW. ‘It is the government’s responsibility to ensure that this stops, and to replace officials who have failed to properly supervise forces under their control.’
Rights groups also called on opposition parties to condemn and take steps to deter rioters.