Transparency International Bangladesh has criticized the government for giving “special privileges” to army officers accused of crimes against humanity, saying such treatment violates the principle of equal justice.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the government’s decision to keep the accused officers in military custody rather than civilian detention undermines the rule of law. “How can discrimination based on identity or position be acceptable in cases involving the same allegations?” he asked.
He warned that favoring the military risks eroding public trust in the International Crimes Tribunal. “In the trial process of individuals accused of crimes against humanity, there is no scope to consider professional identity or rank,” he said.
Citing Article 27 of Bangladesh’s Constitution, Iftekharuzzaman urged the government to withdraw the decision, adding, “The opportunity for exemplary justice must not be undermined by discriminatory behaviour that grants special privileges to a particular group.”