TDS Desk:

A seven-member delegation, including retired Brigadier General Md Hasan Nasir, has proposed the establishment of an Independent Military Reform Commission to address human rights violations and injustices faced by members of the armed forces.

The delegation presented a memorandum to the Secretary of the Ministry of Defense Md Ashraf Uddin on Sunday, outlining their demands.

The memorandum alleges that during the Awami League government’s tenure, members of the armed forces have faced unjust promotions, dismissals, forced retirements, and financial or social harassment.

It said that members of the armed forces have long been victims of serious injustices and human rights violations, significantly impacting both their professional and personal lives.

The proposal aims to establish good governance and address these grievances within Bangladesh’s military by forming an Independent Military Reform Commission.

The memorandum further highlights that outdated military laws are currently in use, which are not aligned with modern realities.

It notes that Article 45 of the Constitution limits opportunities for justice for military personnel and points to a lack of transparency in the military justice system.

To address these issues, the delegation proposed several measures aimed at ensuring justice and transparency within the military system.

They emphasized the need to review the existing military justice system and revisit all controversial dismissals and court-martial cases since 2009.

Additionally, they called for providing promotions and financial benefits to individuals who were unjustly removed from service, as well as reinstating officers who faced unfair dismissals.

The delegation also recommended assigning reinstated officers to roles within government or military institutions and holding those responsible for such injustices accountable for their actions.

Additionally, they called for the repeal of outdated military laws, the introduction of new legislation, amendments to Article 45 of the Constitution to ensure greater access to justice for military personnel, and the elevation of the military justice system to international standards.

The memorandum also emphasized the urgent need for a commission dedicated to protecting the rights of military personnel, respecting their professional lives, and reforming existing laws.

It suggested that the proposed commission could comprise retired judges, human rights activists, university professors, and both former and current members of the armed forces.