ছবি: Architects of 'Aynaghar': Passports of 22 Officials Ordered to be Cancelled. Photo: Collected
The Ministry of Home Affairs has ordered the cancellation of passports for 22 high-ranking military officials accused of involvement in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Many of these officials were influential figures within Bangladesh’s Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) during Sheikh Hasina’s government, and some are identified as architects of the controversial "Aynaghar." The ministry has also instructed immigration authorities to issue emergency alerts to prevent the individuals from leaving the country.
A letter, signed by Kamruzzaman, Deputy Secretary of the Security Services Division of the Ministry of Home Affairs, was sent to the Department of Passports on November 18. The letter stated that the cancellation was necessary following a request from the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances. It cited allegations of involvement in enforced disappearances against these individuals and emphasized that preventing their departure was crucial for ongoing investigations.
The first name on the list is Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Molla Fazle Akbar, who oversaw the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) from February 5, 2009, to June 22, 2011. Other senior officials listed include Lt. Gen. Akbar Hossain, Lt. Gen. Saiful Abedin, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Tabrez Shams Chowdhury, Maj. Gen. Hamidul Haque, and several others who served in leadership roles at DGFI and NSI. They face allegations ranging from the creation of "Aynaghar" to political repression through disappearances and crossfires.
Retired Maj. Gen. Sultanuzzaman Mohammad Salehuddin, who is reportedly attempting to flee to the UK, and others like Brig. Gen. Tanvir Gani Chowdhury and Col. Abdullah Al Momen are also on the list. These officials held various critical roles within RAB and DGFI during their careers.
The Commission of Inquiry’s letter, dated November 10, requested swift action to cancel the passports and inform all immigration authorities. It emphasized that preventing these individuals from leaving the country was essential for the commission’s effectiveness. Following discussions at an advisory council meeting led by Chief Advisor Yunus on November 9, the partial list was finalized, and the directive was issued.
The letter further mentioned that several officials, including those associated with DGFI's CTIB branch, played key roles in operations tied to disappearances and extrajudicial killings. Notably, Lt. Gen. Saiful Alam, Lt. Gen. Ahmed Tabrez Shams Chowdhury, and Maj. Gen. Hamidul Haque were forced into mandatory retirement.
While the Passport Department has begun the process of cancellation, officials have refrained from making formal statements. However, sources confirmed that the necessary notifications would be sent to the police's special branch and immigration authorities within 2-3 days to prevent any attempts at leaving the country.
The move marks a significant step toward accountability for those accused of severe human rights violations during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure, raising hopes for justice among families of the victims of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings.
repoter
