The Rights and Risks Analysis Group (RRAG) has made grave accusations against the interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus, alleging a systematic campaign of politically-motivated killings targeting members of the Awami League and its affiliated organizations. In a report released on June 6, 2025, RRAG claims that at least 123 people were murdered under the rule of Yunus’ administration between August 5, 2024, and April 30, 2025.
The report, titled “Bangladesh: Organised Murder for Membership to the Awami League and its Affiliate Organisations,” describes brutal killings, including 41 Awami League members who allegedly fell victim to gruesome “Taliban-style” executions, such as throat slashing. In addition, 21 others are said to have died while in the custody of the interim government, with claims that these were politically motivated.
Suhas Chakma, Director of the RRAG, warned that these reported killings may only be a fraction of the true scale of the violence. “These murders are just the tip of the iceberg,” Chakma said. “Not all cases were reported in local media, and we faced significant limitations in monitoring local outlets.” He also stressed that vulnerable groups, including children, women, and the mentally unstable, were not spared from violence.
The report cites several harrowing examples, such as the murder of 12-year-old Mohd Rian and his father, Mohammed Masud Rana, in December 2024 in Chapaiganj. Both were allegedly killed by Yunus supporters for having posted a “Joy Bangla” slogan on Facebook months earlier. Another incident involves Arina Begum, who was hacked to death while offering Namaaz in December 2024, supposedly because her son had been a Chhatra League president.
Further incidents cited by RRAG include the September 2024 killing of Tofazzal, a mentally unstable member of the Kathaltoli Union Chhatra League, and Abdullah Al Masud, a former Chhatra League leader, who was reportedly beaten to death in a Dhaka market in September 2024, even though he had not been involved in politics for years.
Violence and Suppression: The Political Rhetoric Behind the Killings
RRAG’s report suggests that the political climate in Bangladesh, particularly the rhetoric from opposition groups like Jamaat-I-Islami and the Bangladesh National Party, as well as certain members of the interim government, has fueled a cycle of violence. Chakma noted that the banning of Chhatra League and the subsequent suppression of the Awami League appeared to legitimize these violent acts of vengeance.
The report also claims that between July 15 and August 5, 2024, over 1,400 people were killed, with Awami League members among the victims. The report alleges that families of the deceased were unable to testify before the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights due to fears of retaliation.
RRAG argues that the interim government has granted “absolute impunity” to perpetrators of violence by preventing police from filing cases or arresting those responsible, even in the case of the killings of 44 policemen. The report concludes that these acts amount to crimes against humanity, carried out by both state and non-state actors.
A Call for International Justice: Filing a Complaint with the ICC
The RRAG’s most significant claim is that Dr. Yunus, and Adviser for Home Affairs Jahangir Alam Chowdhury bear “command responsibility” for the alleged murders under Article 28 of the Statute of the International Criminal Court. The group is preparing to file a formal complaint with the ICC, which it argues would draw parallels with the previous investigations into post-election violence in Kenya in 2007/2008.
This development comes as Dr. Yunus is scheduled to visit the UK between June 10-13, 2025, to receive the Harmony Award 2025 from King Charles III. In a bid to bring further international attention to the allegations, the RRAG is also urging the UK government to consider the allegations against Yunus during his visit.
The report casts a dark shadow over the political landscape in Bangladesh, accusing the interim government of overseeing a brutal campaign of political repression. As the ICC prepares to evaluate the allegations, the international community remains on edge, watching closely for further developments in this volatile situation.
