Secret Prisons Uncovered Near Dhaka Airport
In a shocking revelation, investigators have uncovered a network of secret jail cells hidden near Dhaka’s International Airport. This discovery follows the testimonies of former detainees, including Mir Ahmad Bin Quasem, who spent eight harrowing years in captivity. The investigation has raised serious allegations against the elite Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), suggesting that these clandestine facilities operated under direct orders from the ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Discovery of Hidden Jail Cells
Authorities stumbled upon the secret prison after breaking through a hastily constructed wall, revealing a series of dark, cramped cells. Quasem, a prominent critic of the former government, provided crucial information that led investigators to this hidden site. He recalled the distinct sounds of planes landing, which helped pinpoint the location near the military base. Inside, the conditions were dire, with no natural light and minimal space, leaving detainees feeling isolated and suffocated.
Quasem’s experience sheds light on the broader issue of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh. Since mass protests led to the ousting of Hasina’s government last August, hundreds of victims have come forward, recounting their harrowing experiences in these secret facilities. Many detainees were reportedly held without trial, subjected to torture, and some are believed to have been killed unlawfully.
Allegations Against the Rapid Action Battalion
Investigators have linked the operations of these secret prisons to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), an elite counter-terrorism unit. According to Tajul Islam, chief prosecutor for the International Crimes Tribunal of Bangladesh, the enforced disappearances were carried out with the approval of the former prime minister. However, Hasina’s party denies any involvement, claiming that the military acted independently.
Despite being released, former detainees like Quasem live in constant fear of their captors, who remain at large. Quasem has expressed his anxiety about being recognized in public, stating he always wears a hat and mask when outside. The psychological scars from his imprisonment continue to haunt him, as he remains vigilant about his safety.
Widespread and Systematic Abuse
Quasem’s account is not an isolated incident. Other former detainees have shared similar stories of being taken from their homes, blindfolded, and tortured in dark, concrete cells. Atikur Rahman Rasel, another victim, described his terrifying experience of being abducted during anti-government protests. He recounted being beaten and interrogated, fearing he would never escape the horrors of his captivity.
Reports indicate that there are potentially hundreds of such detention centers across the country, with estimates suggesting that over 700 cells exist nationwide. This systematic abuse highlights the urgent need for accountability and justice for the victims of these human rights violations.
The Path Forward for Justice
As Bangladesh navigates a critical juncture in its political landscape, the call for justice grows louder. Victims like Quasem and Rasel emphasize the importance of exposing the truth behind these secret prisons and holding those responsible accountable. The ongoing investigations aim to build a case against the perpetrators, including high-ranking officials within the former government.
While the future remains uncertain, the testimonies of survivors serve as a powerful reminder of the need for transparency and justice in rebuilding a democratic society. As Quasem poignantly stated, “We need to get our story out, and do whatever we can to ensure justice for those who didn’t return.” The fear of retribution still looms large, but the survivors are determined to seek justice and prevent such atrocities from happening again.
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