HRW to Bangladesh: Suspend deadly ‘war on drugs’

The Bangladesh government should order an independent investigation into allegations of extrajudicial killings during its new “war on drugs,” Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a statement today.

“While drugs are a serious problem in Bangladesh, any campaign against them should be conducted within the rule of law and avoid the use of unnecessary force,” said Brad Adams, Asia director. 

“Until this spate of killings is independently investigated and proper procedures are put in place to protect the public, the campaign should be suspended.”

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced a “war on drugs” in early May 2018 after a reported rise in methamphetamine sales and use. On May 30, Hasina said that as many as 10,000 people had been arrested in the war on drugs, said the statement.