Since the political shift on August 5 in Bangladesh, hundreds of individuals accused in various terrorism-related cases have been released on bail. According to prison authorities, the number now exceeds 300. Among those granted bail are suspects, individuals under trial, and even those previously sentenced to life imprisonment.
Analysts say this group includes both innocent individuals wrongfully imprisoned under the previous government’s anti-terrorism campaigns and those with actual involvement in militant activities who have taken advantage of the transition period.
When asked about the number of terrorism-related bail releases, Inspector General of Prisons Brig. Gen. Syed Md. Motaher Hossain told BBC Bangla, “More than 300 inmates have been released, many of whom were possibly accused of various terrorism-related crimes. The government is aware of this, and those involved in heinous crimes or direct criminal activities have been dealt with. Some have even been rearrested.”
Mufti Jasim Uddin Rahmani, accused of being the head of Ansarullah Bangla Team, told BBC Bangla, “Most of the people were wrongfully imprisoned. And even if they had made some mistakes, they have realized their errors and repented.”
Reactions to Bail
In the past eight months, 148 individuals linked to the banned organization JMB have been granted bail. Others released during this time were previously associated with groups blacklisted by the former government’s law enforcement, including Harkat-ul-Jihad, Ansarullah Bangla Team, Jamaatul Ansar Fil Hindal Sharqiya, Ansar Al Islam, Imam Mahmud’s Kafela, Hizb-ut-Tahrir, Hamza Brigade, KNF, and Allah’r Dal.
Many of these organizations remain controversial, with their classification as “terrorist” groups still under debate in Bangladesh. Mufti Rahmani, who was released on bail after August 5, denies the existence of Ansarullah Bangla Team, claiming the name was fabricated to portray Bangladesh as a terrorist state and serve political agendas.
Rahmani was sentenced to five years in prison for the murder of blogger Rajib Haider and faced multiple other charges. He served over 11 years in jail. “When my case went to the High Court, they saw I had already served much more time than my sentences warranted. This was during Sheikh Hasina’s rule. The most recent bail came under the current government,” he said.
Victims’ Families Express Concern
Among those granted bail are individuals previously sentenced in murder cases, leading to frustration among victims’ families. The family of Prof. A.F.M. Rezaul Karim Siddique, murdered in 2016, said they learned that two convicts sentenced to life imprisonment in his case had been released on bail. BBC Bangla confirmed this.
His son stated, “Nothing could be more disappointing. We also believe no innocent person should be punished. But if someone claims to be innocent, they must prove it. My mother often says she’s not sure if she’ll live to see justice served.”
Longstanding Observer Weighs In
Human rights activist Nur Khan Liton, who has followed extremist activities in Bangladesh since the late 1980s, says that both truth and theatrical elements exist in Bangladesh’s anti-terrorism operations. “There have been genuine counter-terrorism efforts, but also a theatrical campaign where law enforcement—particularly RAB and police—detained innocent people under the label of terrorism. Some were even killed in staged operations.”
Liton notes that not only falsely accused individuals are being released on bail; actual militants and terrorists have also been freed or have escaped prison. “The real criminals are now finding an opportunity to get away.”
Public Security Concerns
Bangladesh has experienced major terrorist attacks in the past, including bombings across 63 districts, and assassinations of bloggers, publishers, teachers, and foreign nationals. The 2016 Holey Artisan attack is one such infamous example. From 2013 to 2016, militant activities created severe alarm nationwide. The authorities responded with extensive counterterrorism campaigns.
Liton emphasized that not all terrorism cases can be dismissed as fabrications. “Law enforcement had to work hard to regain control of the situation. We can’t deny that some of the campaigns were necessary. What we need is fair trials—genuine cases must be prosecuted, and false charges must be dismissed.”
According to prison records, during the July 2024 uprising, about 2,200 inmates escaped from five prisons; 700 remain at large. Among the fugitives, six were confirmed members of militant organizations.
Data verified by prison authorities reveals that since August 5, 346 individuals have been released on bail, including 12 top terrorists, 8 suspects from the infamous 10-truck arms case, and members of at least 10 banned groups.
Liton said, “We saw a rapid surge in bail applications after August 5. While many were innocent, many actual militants also secured bail during this chaotic period. Some even broke out of jail.”
He also warned of unaccounted weapons: “Many arms have not yet been recovered. If any of them are used in future attacks, it will pose a significant threat to national security.”
Government’s Stance
Despite the bail releases, Mufti Rahmani claims there is no security risk. “Look at those who were released—have any committed crimes? Nothing has happened. I believe nothing will. Most of them were innocent, and those who made mistakes have repented. They now understand that this path is wrong and has no benefit to Islam.”
However, some observers claim there has been a resurgence in extremist activities. The banned group Hizb-ut-Tahrir organized a “March for Khilafah,” while there have been reports of shrine vandalism, rising mob actions, and attacks on businesses during pro-Palestine rallies.
Government spokesperson Mahfuz Alam said the interim government has taken a strict stance. “Anyone involved in vandalism, shrine attacks, or minority persecution has been dealt with. We are monitoring those released. If they engage in subversive activity, we will take legal action immediately.”
Regarding the over 300 people released on bail in the last eight months, Alam said, “Some have already been re-arrested. The Home Ministry has the full records.”
However, the Home Ministry declined to share detailed data, and neither the police chief nor the Home Affairs Advisor gave public statements. When asked about the government’s legal stance in court regarding these bail decisions, Attorney General Mohammad Asaduzzaman declined to comment.
Credit: BBC Bangla
