Bangladesh declares a building in Dhaka Cantonment as temporary prison
On October 14, 2025, the Bangladesh home ministry designated a building in Dhaka Cantonment as a temporary prison following the detention of 15 army officers. Although these officers have been taken into custody, they have not been officially arrested. They are expected to be formally arrested and held in the temporary facility, reports 24brussels.
The army’s detention of these officers comes in the wake of warrants issued by the International Crime Tribunal (ICT) on October 8, targeting 30 individuals, including former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. These warrants relate to accusations of crimes against humanity involving enforced disappearances during Hasina’s leadership. The accused have been instructed to appear in court by October 22.
Alongside Hasina, the arrest orders also apply to former Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan and retired Major General Tariq Ahmed Siddique, Hasina’s defense advisor, as well as former police chief Benzir Ahmed. Of the remaining defendants, 27 are current or former army officers.
In total, fifteen army officers implicated in “disappearances and crimes against humanity” linked to Hasina’s administration have been moved into military custody. Notably, Major General Kabir Ahmed, who served Hasina as military secretary, was reportedly in hiding prior to his detention.
Tajul Islam, Chief Prosecutor of the ICT, stated, “The police are responsible for arresting the accused. They will present the accused before the tribunal within 24 hours of arrest. The tribunal will direct where the accused will be kept.” He added that the government holds the authority to declare any location as a temporary prison.
The ICT was established by Hasina’s government for prosecuting war crimes related to the 1971 conflict with Pakistan. Ironically, the tribunal is now overseeing cases against Hasina and her associates following a legal framework amendment.
In August 2024, a student-led uprising compelled Hasina to flee to India, after which Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus assumed leadership of an interim government. Among the 15 detained officers are those at ranks including Major General, Brigadier General, Colonel, and Lieutenant Colonel.
Historically, in 2007-2008, during an army-backed administration, two houses within the parliamentary complex were designated as temporary prisons for both Hasina and rival leader Khaleda Zia.
