Shocking Footage Reveals Police Brutality Amid Bangladesh Protest Violence

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New video evidence has emerged showing the harsh tactics used by Bangladeshi police against unarmed protesters during the civil unrest that led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August 2024. According to a report by the International Truth and Justice Project (ITJP), at least 20 civilians were either killed or injured during two separate incidents in Dhaka on August 5, 2024.

The footage, analyzed by filmmaker Callum Macrae, depicts police officers firing on peaceful demonstrators and using live ammunition against unarmed civilians, raising serious concerns over police conduct during Hasina's regime, which has been criticized for widespread human rights violations. Macrae termed the videos “extraordinary” and “grotesque,” indicating that the police faced no imminent threat.

Yasmin Sooka, the ITJP executive director, highlighted the shocking use of lethal force against non-violent protesters and emphasized the importance of an independent judicial review to restore public trust in Bangladesh's justice system. The analysis comes at a crucial time as protests in Bangladesh turned into a broader revolutionary movement against Hasina's government, which lasted nearly 15 years.

Following the rise of protests, it was reported that over a thousand civilians had suffered fatal consequences due to police brutality, drawing attention from international human rights organizations. The police chief has confirmed that investigations are ongoing, and that several officers have already been arrested for their involvement in the violence.

This shocking evidence adds to growing calls for accountability and justice for the families affected by the brutal crackdown, as Bangladesh navigates the aftermath of its political upheaval.

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