Government to ensure no one remains jailed over political vendetta

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaid Islam has said the government will ensure that no one is unjustly detained or jailed due to political vendetta, regardless of their political affiliation.

She made the remarks while responding to questions from journalists at the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

Responding to a Human Rights Watch report, Shama said Bangladesh had witnessed unprecedented human rights violations over the past 17 years, with Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) leaders and activists among the major victims.

“We never want the fascist era of the past to return, either now or in the future. We want to ensure at least minimum human rights for every citizen,” she said.

She said many cases were filed following the July-August uprising, including legitimate cases against those accused of killings and those who ordered enforced disappearances and killings.

However, she acknowledged that some cases were filed by overenthusiastic individuals. The Law Ministry has said those cases will be reviewed, she added.

“If, after reviewing the cases, they find no truth or basis, they will take necessary action accordingly,” Shama said.

She reiterated that protecting human rights is a key position of the government and that it remains accountable to the people.

SKS