59 Indigenous Bawm People Detained Without Trial in Bangladesh Amid Human Rights Concerns
Fifty-nine Indigenous Bawm people continue to be detained in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh without trial. They have been accused of being affiliated with an armed group allegedly responsible for robbing banks and taking a bank manager hostage in April 2024. Despite these serious accusations, none of the detainees have faced a formal trial, raising grave concerns about due process and the rule of law.
Since their arrest, three detainees have died in custody, highlighting the lack of adequate medical care and the unsafe conditions in detention facilities. While 80 other people arrested in the same incident have been released on bail, 59 — including three children — remain behind bars without charges or access to proper legal support. Many families are struggling financially, making it difficult to hire lawyers or pay for bail, which further prolongs the detention of their loved ones.
The prolonged imprisonment of these individuals without trial represents a serious violation of human rights. Legal experts emphasize that authorities must either formally charge these detainees with recognized criminal offenses or release them immediately. Access to legal representation and proper healthcare should be guaranteed for all detainees, in line with national and international legal standards.
This situation also reflects a broader pattern of discrimination and marginalization faced by Indigenous Peoples in Bangladesh. Despite the signing of the Chittagong Hill Tracts Peace Accord more than 25 years ago, many of the key provisions intended to protect Indigenous communities have yet to be fully implemented. As a result, some Indigenous people have been forced to leave their homes, and tensions continue to persist in the region.
Human rights advocates are calling for immediate action to address the plight of the Bawm detainees. Ensuring that their rights are respected and that they receive fair treatment under the law is essential to upholding justice, promoting social stability, and protecting the rights of Indigenous communities in Bangladesh.
Source: Amnesty International
