Human Rights Group Criticizes Bangladesh Police's Directive on Re-Arrests

A leading human rights organization has condemned a directive from Bangladesh's police that allows for the re-arrest of Awami League leaders even after they secure bail. This controversial move is seen as an attempt to undermine judicial authority and poses a significant threat to the rule of law and democracy in the country. The organization calls for the immediate withdrawal of the directive and urges international oversight to protect judicial independence. As political tensions rise, the implications of this directive could have far-reaching effects on Bangladesh's legal framework and democratic integrity.

By Narendra Chaudhary Feb 27, 2026, 15:29 IST

Concerns Over Bangladesh's Judicial Integrity

Paris, Feb 27: A prominent global human rights organization has expressed strong disapproval of a directive issued by Mohammad Shahjahan, the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Rajshahi Range Police in Bangladesh. This directive instructs law enforcement to re-arrest leaders and activists of the Awami League even after they have been granted bail by the courts.

Justice Makers Bangladesh in France (JMBF) voiced its concerns regarding the February 24 directive, which allegedly directs police to detain Awami League leaders on other charges upon their release. This move is seen as a blatant attempt to undermine judicial authority and represents a serious misuse of administrative power.

According to the rights organization, re-arresting individuals after a court has granted bail undermines the judiciary's constitutional authority and threatens the rule of law. Such actions are viewed as a direct violation of human rights.

The JMBF emphasized that the Constitution of Bangladesh ensures personal freedom, legal protection, and access to justice. The practice of 'shown arrests' after bail violates the principles of judicial independence and the separation of powers.

They cautioned that if these practices persist, the legal system in Bangladesh could become merely symbolic, with administrative power overshadowing the rule of law, which is a troubling sign for any democracy.

Shahanur Islam, the Founder President of JMBF, remarked that the current coalition government, led by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), seems to be following the path of the previous unelected interim government by systematically eroding the rule of law. The emerging trend under newly elected Prime Minister Tarique Rahman to utilize state machinery for political retribution poses a significant threat to democracy.

He further stated that circumventing court bail orders through administrative measures is not merely an administrative error but appears to be a calculated political strategy. This disregard for judicial orders is a blatant violation of the Constitution and must cease immediately.

The JMBF has called for the immediate retraction of the directive, an end to politically motivated arrests and harassment, and full protection of judicial independence and enforcement of court orders. They also urged the establishment of an independent investigation commission, with active oversight from international human rights organizations.