The Bangladesh Army has intensified security measures within the Dhaka Cantonment to ensure foolproof protection for 14 senior officers charged with serious offences, including enforced disappearances, secret detention, and torture, allegedly committed during Sheikh Hasina’s 15-year rule.

On Monday, workers were seen installing concertina wire fencing along the perimeter walls of an officers’ mess, where the accused will be housed under tight security.

Photographs showed labourers fitting metallic props and Y-shaped angles to support the coiled fencing, which will rise seven metres above the wall, making intrusion nearly impossible.

Officers charged under International Crimes Tribunal

The International Crimes Tribunal (ICT) formally charged 14 Army officers — formerly holding ranks such as major general, brigadier, colonel, lieutenant colonel, and major — on October 8.

They are to be shifted to the Visiting Senior Officers’ Quarters (VSOQ) before their first tribunal appearance on October 22.

In a parallel move, the Bangladesh Home Ministry issued a notification on October 12, designating Building No. 58 of the Military Engineering Service (MES) near Bashar Road as a sub-jail for the trial of 24 officers, including the 14 serving personnel.

According to Army officials, this facility will serve as a complete judicial complex, where public prosecutors, defence lawyers, and witnesses will conduct examinations and cross-examinations of the accused.

Security review and document collection

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Prisons Jannatul Farhad visited the VSOQ mess on Monday to inspect ongoing security work.

Simultaneously, a Dhaka Police inspector visited Army Headquarters to collect documents relevant to the 24 officers under investigation.

Sources suggest that the creation of a sub-jail within the Dhaka Cantonment is a compromise arrangement between the Army and the ICT, serving as a “face-saver” to maintain institutional dignity while ensuring legal accountability.

The move is aimed at minimizing public embarrassment for the Army and the accused officers during their upcoming tribunal proceedings.

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