চলো যাই যুদ্ধের মাদকরের বিরুদ্ধে: A Call for Accountability and Dismantling the RAB Mob to Protect Human Rights

 In 2018, the government of Bangladesh launched a crackdown known as the "war on drugs," with the slogan "চলো যাই যুদ্ধের মাদকরের বিরুদ্ধে" (Cholo Jai Juddher Madokorer Biruddhe)—"Let’s go, fight against the drug dealers." While this was presented as a necessary action against crime and drug trafficking, it has since been marred by gross human rights violations, including extrajudicial killings and the targeting of political opposition, activists, and journalists.

1. Extrajudicial Killings and Human Rights Violations

One of the most alarming aspects of this operation was the practice of extrajudicial killings carried out under the pretext of "crossfire" or "encounter" deaths. Many of these killings were not the result of genuine armed confrontations but instead were executed by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), a combined force made up of members from Bangladesh's military, police, and other law enforcement agencies. Despite the official narrative that these deaths were justified during confrontations with criminals, there has been a significant lack of transparency or independent investigation into these cases.

The killing of Councilor Ekramul Haque (commonly known as Ekram), a local leader and councilor from Feni, is one of the most high-profile instances linked to this campaign. Ekram was shot dead in a public ambush by RAB in May 2018, an event that sparked widespread outrage and raised suspicions about the involvement of the force in politically motivated killings. The nature of the attack, conducted in broad daylight, was highly controversial and was seen as a violation of human rights. Ekram’s death was part of a larger pattern of extrajudicial killings, often linked to political motives and power struggles.

Other notable killings, which have sparked similar outcry, include:

• The killing of journalist Shahzaman in July 2018, who was critical of the government's actions and exposed corruption.
• The disappearance of activists, such as Jahidul Islam, a student leader who disappeared under suspicious circumstances in 2018. There has been no proper investigation into these disappearances.
• The death of several political opponents and activists in similar "encounter" situations, all of which were later dismissed by RAB as criminals killed during firefights.

These deaths, often dismissed by authorities as part of their war on drugs, point to a troubling pattern of targeted killings aimed at suppressing political dissent and silencing voices of opposition.

2. Targeting of Political Opposition, Activists, and Journalists

The actions of the RAB extended beyond the fight against drug crime and were increasingly used as a tool for political repression. Opposition members, journalists, and human rights activists were disproportionately targeted by the RAB. Many activists and journalists who exposed government corruption or human rights violations have been silenced through violence, imprisonment, or forced disappearances. RAB’s role in these acts has led to accusations that it is used to stifle dissent and intimidate those who oppose the government's policies.

3. U.S. Sanctions and the Global Repercussions of RAB’s Actions

In response to these ongoing violations, the United States imposed sanctions on the RAB, targeting both its leadership and the force as a whole. The sanctions were a direct consequence of the extrajudicial killings and the systematic abuse of power by the RAB, which violated human rights principles. However, because RAB is a combined force that includes personnel from multiple branches of the military, police, and law enforcement agencies, it is difficult to hold individual members accountable without jeopardizing the reputation of the entire security apparatus. This has created a challenging situation for other branches of Bangladesh’s security forces, as they are now tainted by the association with RAB's illegal activities.

4. Dismantling the RAB Mob: Protecting Human Rights

To restore trust in the law enforcement system and protect the fundamental human rights of the people, the RAB must be dismantled. The use of such a paramilitary force, which acts with impunity, has undermined the rule of law and led to widespread fear and distrust. Its continued existence threatens not only the reputation of Bangladesh’s other law enforcement agencies but also the credibility of the country in the eyes of the international community.

The RAB has consistently demonstrated its inability to function within the constraints of justice and human rights. For the sake of the people of Bangladesh and the preservation of democratic freedoms, it is essential that this force be disbanded, and its actions thoroughly investigated.

5. A Path to Justice and Accountability

The people of Bangladesh deserve a law enforcement system that upholds the rule of law, respects due process, and values human rights above political expediency. The dismantling of RAB and holding those responsible for extrajudicial killings accountable are necessary steps to ensure that no one is above the law. As citizens, it is our duty to demand justice for the victims and to ensure that the government returns to its responsibility of safeguarding human dignity for all.

In conclusion, the slogan "চলো যাই যুদ্ধের মাদকরের বিরুদ্ধে" has come to symbolize a dark chapter in Bangladesh’s history, where the line between protecting the country and abusing power has been tragically blurred. The RAB mob, responsible for gross human rights violations, must be dismantled to restore justice and protect the freedoms of every individual in Bangladesh.

For more on the killing of Ekramul Haque and other extrajudicial killings linked to RAB, refer to these reports:

• Councilor Ekramul Haque’s Killing
• Shahzaman's Murder and the Fight for Justice
• Disappearance of Jahidul Islam