Demand for speedy resolution of fake harassment cases filed after August 5

❐ Staff Reporter

After the political upheaval of August 5, 2024, the trend of filing cases across the country increased significantly. Taking advantage of the changed situation, ‘opportunist’ groups, including opposition political activists, journalists, local businessmen and ordinary citizens, framed innocent people based on old disputes and personal conflicts. The groups embezzled lakhs of taka by framing them in the cases. Later, the plaintiffs in whose cases they had filed cases had filed applications in various places demanding the withdrawal of the cases and action against the opportunists.

They also demanded that regular cases be filed against those who committed murder, torture, arson, vandalism, and looting by mobs during that time. They also demanded that the fake cases be disposed of quickly.

It is learned that Salahuddin Ahmed, the Home Minister of the new government that took office after the 13th National Assembly elections, has admitted that there have been cases of innocent people being framed in cases filed after August 5th, and he announced that they will be scrutinized.

According to the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Police Headquarters, about 22,000 cases were filed across the country in the one to one and a half years from August 5, 2024, until the 13th national election. Of these, at least 7,500 cases were filed on charges of political violence and vandalism. About 1,500 cases were filed on charges of murder and attempted murder. About 1,200 cases were filed under the Special Powers Act and the Digital Security Act. More than 2,000 cases were filed under the Sabotage and Explosives Act. At least 10,000 more cases were filed on charges of theft, possession, fighting and other offenses.

According to data from the human rights organization Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), at least 349 cases have been filed against leaders and activists of various political parties from the July 2024 riots to January 31, 2026. In these cases, 29,772 people have been named, with more than 65,000 individuals named as anonymous defendants.

In addition, 222 journalists have been accused in 49 cases. At the same time, 834 journalists have been victims of murder, torture and harassment. 41 cases have been filed under the Cyber ​​Security Act.

The organization said that despite various reform initiatives following the political change, gross human rights violations remained visible in the context of violence. As a result, concerns remain about the law and order situation and the overall human rights situation.

Responsible police sources said that charge sheets have already been filed in 30 to 40 percent of the cases filed during the interim government. A little over 20 percent of the cases are still under investigation. In some cases, many have been acquitted after final reports were submitted.

The police, who are using digital evidence, including video footage, CCTV and mobile data analysis, say that if an innocent person is found guilty, there is a chance that they will be excluded from the investigation.

Human rights activist Ijazul Islam said, “To strengthen the rule of law and democratic processes in the country, coordinated efforts are needed at all levels of the state and society. It is important to create an inclusive environment through constructive dialogue with political parties, civil society, journalists and human rights organizations. But human rights were grossly violated in the country during the Yunus government.”

Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed said that after August 5, some opportunistic groups have implicated innocent and ordinary people in cases. The police department has been instructed to examine these cases and submit a report.