Ending the Cycle of Unlawful Force: A Call to Action in Bangladesh

Amnesty International verifies evidence of excessive use of force against protesters

Amnesty International has called on the Bangladeshi authorities to urgently end the use of excessive force against protesters, following reports of violent attacks on protesters and opposition party leaders during a recent sit-in protest. Eyewitnesses interviewed by Amnesty International stated that the protests were largely peaceful before the police attacked them. The protest, organized by the Bangladesh National Party (BNP), called for a caretaker government to be appointed before the elections in January 2024. The protests ended with violent clashes with the police.

Evidence of human rights violations

Amnesty International’s researchers and Crisis Evidence Lab analyzed photos, videos, and eyewitness testimonies to substantiate the allegations of excessive force. Witness accounts highlighted that the police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at the protesters, despite them chanting slogans and sitting on the floor without weapons. One video, geolocated by Amnesty’s Crisis Evidence Lab, showed a crowd of people, including women, running from tear gas near a hospital entrance. The use of tear gas in close proximity to a medical facility violates United Nations guidelines on the use of less lethal weapons.

Amnesty International’s analysis found another video showing police officers beating protesters who posed no apparent threat. Additionally, a senior BNP politician was beaten by police officers while lying on the ground. These incidents raise concerns about the violation of the absolute prohibition of torture and other forms of cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.

Civilian involvement and accountability

Amnesty International verified evidence of civilians, purportedly supporters of the ruling party, joining police officers in attacking protesters. The organization condemned the involvement of civilians and called it unacceptable. The deployment of officers in plainclothes, as stated by the police, must be strictly necessary and should not incite violence, according to United Nations General Comment 37 on the right of peaceful assembly.

Amnesty International has urged the government of Bangladesh to ensure all those suspected of criminal responsibility are held accountable and to conduct impartial, independent investigations into the police officers who failed to prevent the unlawful use of force. The organization emphasized that it is the government’s duty to protect and facilitate the right to peaceful assembly.

Editorial: Upholding Human Rights in Times of Protest

The recent events in Bangladesh, where excessive force was used against protesters, again highlight the need for governments to respect and protect the fundamental rights of their citizens, particularly in times of protest. The right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly is a cornerstone of any democratic society and is protected under international human rights law.

Peaceful protests play a crucial role in holding governments accountable and advocating for social justice, legal reform, and wider accountability. When governments respond to protests with violence and repression, they not only violate the rights of their citizens but also undermine the democratic principles they claim to uphold.

The use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies not only results in physical harm to individuals but also creates an environment of fear and intimidation, preventing the free expression of dissenting voices. Governments should prioritize the protection of their citizens’ physical integrity and avoid the escalation of crises by adhering to the principles of proportionality and necessity in the use of force.

Lessons from international standards and guidelines

International standards and guidelines provide invaluable guidance on the use of force during protests. The United Nations Code of Conduct for Law Enforcement Officials states that force should only be used exceptionally, when strictly necessary, and for legitimate law enforcement purposes. This emphasizes that the use of force should be a last resort.

Furthermore, the concept of proportionality is crucial in determining the appropriate response by law enforcement agencies. It requires that the force used be proportionate to the threat posed and must not exceed what is necessary to achieve a legitimate aim.

The recent incidents in Bangladesh, where tear gas was deployed near a hospital and officers beat unarmed protesters, clearly demonstrate a lack of adherence to these international standards. Tear gas should never be used in close proximity to medical facilities, as it endangers the lives of vulnerable individuals and violates their right to access healthcare.

Advice for the Government of Bangladesh

The Government of Bangladesh must take immediate action to rectify the human rights violations that took place during the recent protests. They should:

1. Launch a thorough and impartial investigation

A prompt and independent investigation must be conducted to identify those responsible for the excessive use of force and violence against protesters. The investigation should hold accountable not only the law enforcement officers directly involved but also those who failed to prevent or stop the violations from occurring.

2. Ensure accountability and justice

Those found to be responsible for the human rights violations must be held accountable through fair and transparent legal processes. Impartial trials and appropriate penalties should be conducted to ensure justice for the victims and to deter future abuses.

3. Protect the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly

The government should take proactive measures to protect and facilitate the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. This includes ensuring that citizens can exercise their rights without fear of violence, intimidation, or harassment. Police officers should receive training on upholding human rights standards and de-escalation techniques during protests.

4. Strengthen adherence to international human rights standards

The Government of Bangladesh should reaffirm its commitment to international human rights standards and ensure that these principles are effectively integrated into domestic law and practice. Efforts should be made to raise awareness among law enforcement agencies about their responsibilities in upholding human rights and the importance of respecting the rights of protesters.

By taking these steps, the Government of Bangladesh can demonstrate its dedication to upholding human rights and the principles of democracy. It is essential for the government to address the concerns raised by Amnesty International and other human rights organizations in order to build a society that respects and protects the rights of all its citizens.

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