DHAKA, Bangladesh.Nov 20 -In a significant crackdown, the interim government of Bangladesh has ordered the cancellation of passports for twenty-two veteran security officials this week. These officials served in powerful intelligence and law enforcement agencies, including the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB).
The Home Ministry of Bangladesh announced that the passports were being cancelled as these officers are currently under investigation for the disappearance of political opponents during the Sheikh Hasina presidency. The notification stated that there is primary evidence of their involvement in the abduction of opponents, and the measure is being taken to prevent them from leaving the country.
Most of the officials on the list held prominent positions in the Bangladesh military, the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), and the National Security Intelligence (NSI). Some were involved with the Rapid Action Battalion, an enforcement unit that received negative publicity during the Hasina era. The Home Ministry of Bangladesh is currently headed by Adviser for Home Affairs Jahangir Alam Chowdhury.
