In the wake of the August 5, 2024 mass uprising that led to the collapse of the Awami League government, authorities in Dhaka have filed 707 criminal cases and arrested at least 5,079 individuals, including senior politicians, former ministers, and high-ranking police officials.
The cases — registered across 50 police stations under the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) — relate to charges of murder, attempted murder, incitement to violence, abuse of power, and complicity in state repression during the final days of the previous administration.
The uprising, which culminated in the resignation and departure of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was marked by widespread civil unrest and violent confrontations between protesters, law enforcement, and ruling party supporters. A United Nations fact-finding report released in early 2025 documented 1,400 deaths and over 23,000 injuries, citing "widespread and systematic use of excessive force" by state actors.
Among those arrested are several high-profile former ministers and lawmakers Anisul Huq – Former Law and Parliamentary Affairs Minister, Salman F. Rahman – Former Adviser to the PM and industrialist, Dipu Moni, Amir Hossain Amu, Rashed Khan Menon, Hasanul Haq Inu, Zunaid Ahmed Palak – Former cabinet members, Former MPs: Momtaz Begum, A.M. Naimur Rahman Durjoy, Kazi Monirul Islam Manu, Abdus Sobhan Golap, and Sarwar Jahan Badsha.
They are under investigation for alleged roles in orchestrating violence, suppressing dissent, and issuing unlawful orders during the crisis.
The accountability drive has extended to the top levels of the police force. A total of 23 current and former officers have been detained, including Md Shahidul Haque – Former Inspector General of Police (IGP), Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun – Former IGP, Asaduzzaman Mia – Former DMP Commissioner, DIG Molya Nazrul Islam, and multiple former SPs, ADCs, and OCs.
Allegations include extrajudicial killings, custodial torture, and coordinated crackdowns on peaceful demonstrators.
Main Uddin Chowdhury, Additional Deputy Commissioner (Administration) of the DMP Prosecution Division, confirmed that all 707 cases are under active investigation.
“Since August 5, 2024, we have filed 707 cases related to violence and killings. Over 5,000 individuals, including political leaders and 23 police officers, have been arrested. The legal process is ongoing,” he said.
The Public Prosecution Department is working closely with investigative units to prepare case files for submission to the courts.
While the arrests reflect a broad effort to ensure transitional justice, legal and human rights organizations have urged authorities to uphold due process, fair trial standards, and protection against arbitrary detention.
“Accountability is essential after a period of systemic abuse,” said a senior legal expert from the Bangladesh Institute of Law and Development. “But justice must be seen to be done — not just felt. Investigations must be impartial, evidence-based, and transparent.”
Amnesty International and Odhikar have called for independent monitoring of detention centers and timely access to legal representation for all accused.
The scale of the post-uprising legal actions underscores the depth of public demand for accountability. As Bangladesh moves toward a new political chapter, these cases are widely seen as a critical step toward ending impunity and rebuilding public trust in state institutions.
Yet the sheer volume of arrests also presents logistical and judicial challenges, with courts facing a growing backlog and detention facilities under strain.
As the nation navigates this pivotal transition, the balance between justice and the rule of law will be central to shaping a democratic, inclusive, and rights-based future.
HKJ
