The interim government of Bangladesh released 178 former paramilitary personnel on Thursday after they had spent 16 years in prison on allegations of involvement in the 2009 mutiny.

According to DW, “These personnel were imprisoned for their alleged roles in the violent two-day mutiny of 2009, which led to the arrests of thousands.” The mutiny, which targeted senior officers of the Bangladesh Rifles (BDR), resulted in widespread arrests and over 150 death sentences in initial trials.

Human rights organisations criticised the judicial process under the government of former prime minister Sheikh Hasina. DW reported, “Rights groups raised concerns over procedural lapses and questioned the fairness of the trials.” The prisoners, who were freed on January 23, had already been acquitted of murder charges.

DW highlighted, “The cases of these detainees remained pending for over a decade, reflecting a disregard for human rights during Hasina’s tenure.” Their release followed months after the end of Hasina’s 15-year rule.

Abdul Qasim, a 38-year-old released prisoner, expressed his relief. “I cannot describe my feelings in words. I am finally going back to my family,” Qasim said.

Shiuli Akhter, the 40-year-old wife of one of the released men, described the moment as unbelievable. “This feels like a dream.

If Sheikh Hasina had been in power, my husband would never have come out of prison,” Akhter said. She further criticised Hasina’s government, stating, “There was no justice during her rule. What happened to us was unjust. My husband had no knowledge of the mutiny or the killings. He had just joined the BDR when he was arrested.”

The rebellion, which erupted in 2009 under Hasina’s administration, was attributed to years of frustration among lower-ranking troops over low wages and poor treatment.

Despite repeated appeals, their grievances were ignored. Critics of Hasina alleged that she had orchestrated the mutiny to weaken the military and consolidate her authority.

Following her ousting, families of soldiers who were killed during the mutiny demanded the reopening of investigations. Last month, the interim government initiated action on these demands.