Yunus government cancels passports of 22 veteran security and military officials

Mon Nov 25 08:15:04 UTC 2024: ## Bangladesh Interim Government Cancels Passports of 22 Veteran Security Officials

**DHAKA, BANGLADESH – November 20, 2024** – The interim government of Bangladesh, led by Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus, has taken a significant step in its crackdown on alleged human rights abuses, ordering the cancellation of passports for 22 former high-ranking officials from the country’s intelligence and law enforcement agencies.

The Home Ministry announced the move, citing ongoing investigations into the disappearance of political opponents during the previous Sheikh Hasina administration. The ministry stated that preliminary evidence suggests the officials’ involvement in abductions and that the passport cancellations are intended to prevent their departure from the country.

The affected individuals held prominent positions within the military, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), the National Security Intelligence (NSI), and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB). Among those named are former DGFI chief Molla Fazle Akbar (2009-2011), and several other former high-ranking officers from DGFI, NSI and RAB. Former police officer Mohiuddin Faruki, currently imprisoned on murder charges, is also included.

This action follows a recommendation from a special commission investigating disappearances. While the Home Ministry’s notification states the cancellations are immediate, news outlet Jugantar reports the actual process may take two to three days.

The move represents the largest such action against the Bangladeshi security establishment under the Yunus government, which is grappling with a law and order crisis exacerbated by public anger over the police’s handling of recent anti-government protests. The interim government has already released individuals reportedly held in secret detention facilities under the previous regime.