6 demands of CAGE International to establish justice in Bangladesh

CAGE International congratulated the 'courageous people' of Bangladesh for successfully ousting the 'oppressive government' of Sheikh Hasina.

The UK-based rights organization said in a statement, “We applaud the anti-discrimination student movement for its strong commitment to challenge Sheikh Hasina's brutal tactics and end her reign of terror.

Bangladesh went through a dark period during his rule due to executions, torture, enforced disappearances and arbitrary arrests of educated and political dissidents. The fall of this dictator supported by the international community especially the United Kingdom and India is proof of the tolerance and bravery of the people of Bangladesh.

Calling for the continuation of the journey of justice and systemic reforms in Bangladesh, the statement said, we are calling on the anti-discrimination student movement to continue the movement until the structures that sustain Hasina's rule are comprehensively reformed.

CAGE International has highlighted 6 demands in the statement to establish justice-

1. Priority is given to the release of victims of disappearances: The student movement must present its demands to the new government to address the cases of disappearances. Victims of disappearances should be located and released, disclosure of full details of their cases and adequate compensation and assistance to them and their families is essential.

2. Release of Arbitrarily Arrested Persons: Those arrested without due process, should be immediately released and their cases dismissed. They are entitled to compensation for being victims of persecution.

3. Accountability of judicial and law enforcement officials: Every judge and police officer involved in ordering illegal arrests and extracting confessions through torture must be prosecuted. All those who have violated or cooperated in these human rights should be held accountable.

Calling on the student movement to identify and identify centers and locations used for arbitrary arrests and disappearances, CAGE says these locations will contain information and evidence about what happened, who was involved, and foreign involvement; Which will keep important in ensuring justice to the oppressed.

4. Pending litigation: A commission should be formed to review and dismiss the cases which have been unjustly withheld in the judicial system. Victims of injustice must be compensated.

5. Legal reform: The Interim Government must repeal oppressive laws, especially Article 64, to prevent abuse of power. The rule of law must be applied impartially to protect all citizens.

6. Ban lifted: Orders that unjustly banned Islamic and political organizations should be revoked – ensuring participation of all groups in the country's democratic process.

CAGE International says Bangladesh is now standing at an important juncture to move forward on the path of peace and justice. CAGE stands in solidarity with the people of Bangladesh in their struggle for a fair and just society.

Bangladesh /SBT