Barrister Ahmed Bin Kashem Arman, son of executed Jamaat leader Mir Quasem Ali, alleged that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina used patriotic members of the Bangladesh Army in enforced disappearances, thereby damaging the army’s professionalism and endangering the country’s sovereignty. He made the remarks on Sunday during a press briefing after giving testimony at the International Crimes Tribunal-1 in a case related to abductions at the RAB Taskforce Interrogation Cell (TFI).

Arman, himself a victim of enforced disappearance, said that the rights of the Bangladeshi people should be considered sacred and that the army should remain the nation’s most respected and trusted institution. He urged that no one, regardless of power or influence, should misuse the armed forces or violate citizens’ rights. He added that depriving citizens of constitutional rights amounts to treason.

According to the report, Arman testified as the first witness in the case filed over abductions and torture at the TFI Cell during the Awami League’s fifteen-year rule. Ten army officers have been arrested in connection with the case, which also names Hasina and twelve former and current military officials.