In an unprecedented move, at least 15 active Bangladeshi Army officials have been arrested over allegations of serious crimes committed during the previous administration of former Prime Minister Sheik Hasina. The arrests followed the issuance of warrants by the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) for 25 army personnel linked to three cases related to protests that contributed to the fall of the Sheik Hasina government in August 2024.

The detained officers are currently in military custody, according to official sources.

Army Response and Custody Details

Major General Mohammad Hakimuzzaman, the Army’s Adjutant General, stated that orders were issued for 16 officers to report to Army headquarters, with 15 complying. He clarified the status of the 25 officers identified in the chargesheet:

• 9 were retired or dismissed

• 1 was on Leave before Retirement (LPR)

• 15 are currently serving

“These officers were instructed to report to Dhaka Cantonment by October 8,” Hakimuzzaman said, emphasizing that all military regulations concerning joining and travel were strictly observed.

The Army also noted that no physical warrants have been received and stressed that any steps taken would comply with constitutional procedures. Historically, Bangladesh has followed a practice—over the past 54 years—where serving officers may be detained before the issuance of a verdict.

Prosecution Demands Tribunal Hearing

Chief Prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has urged that the officers appear before the tribunal for trial. Formal charges have been filed against 28 individuals, including Sheik Hasina, alongside 23 current and former army officials of various ranks.

Major General Kabir Ahmed Marked AWOL

Major General Kabir Ahmed, a two-star officer and former military secretary to Sheik Hasina, has not responded to official notices. Ahmed, previously Director General of Forces Intelligence, has been marked as Absent Without Leave (AWOL) and is under investigation.

Potential for Rising Tensions

This is the first time in Bangladesh’s history that serving military officers are being charged in a civil court for alleged crimes against humanity. The move has raised concerns about possible tensions between the Army and the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus.

The tribunal has directed all relevant agencies, including police and military services, to apprehend the remaining officers, signaling potential legal and political challenges ahead.