In front of the International Crimes Tribunal‑1, former army chief General (retd) Iqbal Karim Bhuiyan expressed his deep concern about witnessing trained army officers turning into what he termed as professional killers after serving in the Rapid Action Battalion.
He revealed that ousted prime minister Sheikh Hasina, through her relative Maj Gen (retd) Tarique Ahmed Siddique, misused state security agencies to tighten her grip over the armed forces, suppress political opponents, and funnel corruption through national projects. Iqbal, the primary prosecution witness in a crimes against humanity case against Major General (relieved) Ziaul Ahsan, highlighted the shifts in military culture and increased political entanglements.
Ziaul is facing accusations of masterminding the enforced disappearance and killing of 104 individuals between 2010 and 2013. Iqbal criticized the decision to assign soldiers trained under the “one bullet, one enemy” principle to Rab, stating that it led to disastrous consequences.
Recalling the Operation Clean Heart during 2002-2003, Iqbal mentioned the army attributing 12 deaths to heart attacks while Human Rights Watch estimated the number at 60. He described the subsequent indemnity granted to soldiers involved in the operation as a “license to kill.”
Despite his efforts to curb Rab abuses, Iqbal detailed his struggles in dealing with the situation, including confronting Rab officials and facing resistance from then prime minister Sheikh Hasina. He emphasized his stance against unethical practices and his attempts to maintain discipline within the military ranks.
Addressing the tribunal, Iqbal emphasized his stance against killing missions, urging officers to reject such orders. He narrated his concerns about army officers being demoralized after serving in Rab and shared his efforts to rehabilitate those who refused to carry out unjust actions.
Furthermore, Iqbal shed light on the political influence that shaped the military landscape during a state of emergency from 2007 to 2009. He highlighted the power dynamics within the armed forces and the impact of various networks controlled by Siddique.
Additionally, Iqbal divulged how a culture of enforced disappearance and killing gradually infiltrated the army during his tenure as the chief of army staff. He reflected on the historical context of violence within the military and emphasized the army’s primary role in national defense and crisis management.
Chief Prosecutor Tajul Islam underscored the significance of the ongoing trial, marking a pivotal moment in Bangladesh’s judicial history. The tribunal is set to continue recording Iqbal’s testimony in the following session.
