Dhaka, Feb. 1 -- A recent report by Human Rights Watch (HRW) alleges that Bangladesh's political leadership directed police to use excessive force during the July uprising, offering new insights into the violent suppression of protests that unsettled the nation.

The 50-page report, titled After the Monsoon Revolution: A Roadmap to Lasting Security Sector Reform in Bangladesh, was presented to Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on January 28 by an HRW delegation led by Asia Director Elaine Pearson."

According to multiple police officers interviewed in the report, orders to use extreme force against demonstrators did not originate from field officers but from higher political authorities.

One officer, speaking to HRW, stated, "I beli...