Zakir Hossain / Dhaka
Former Bangladesh Army chief Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan has warned of a “chasm” between the interim government and the military over the trial of officers accused of enforced disappearances, killings and corruption during ousted premier Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League’s 15-year rule.
In a Facebook post titled “Trial Must Be Held In A Proper Court”, Bhuiyan said, “The main reason for the chasm… is the difference of opinion over the trial process of military officers involved in heinous crimes such as disappearances, murders and corruption committed during the 15-year fascist regime.” He added, “In the end, the Army will stand with the people. Therefore, it is the foremost duty of the military leadership to dispel the mistrust that has arisen.”
The remark came after the Commission on Enforced Disappearances, in its June 4 interim report, named police, RAB, DB and CTTC as “main perpetrators,” while also finding credible evidence against DGFI, NSI and BGB. It cited torture cells like “Ayna Ghar.” Commission chief Justice Moinul Islam Chowdhury later said Bhuiyan himself acknowledged individual Army officers’ involvement, though not institutional complicity.
Yunus, who visited alleged torture sites in February, has vowed accountability, and the government has cleared the Prevention, Remedy and Protection of Disappearances Ordinance, 2025. The Army says it is cooperating but stresses deputed officers acted outside its chain of command.
Bhuiyan, who served as the 14th Army chief, wrote: “A few officers have damaged the image of the institution by engaging in such misdeeds… A professional army is not meant to be associated with such crimes. Yet, some officers, serving narrow partisan interests, have tarnished its honour and exposed the institution to the risk of being judged as criminal in the people’s court. Hence… those responsible must face proper trial.”
“I firmly believe the entire force is eager to restore a relationship of trust and confidence with the people,” he added.