Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and strongly condemned the alleged bulldozing, looting and arson attack on the home of an Awami League leader in Patuakhali, calling for an impartial investigation and accountability for those responsible.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the human rights organization denounced the reported attack on the residence of Mohammad Mizanur Rahman Lavlu Kazi, a former chairman of Madhabkhali Union Parishad and a leader of Awami League, in Madhabkhali Union under Mirzaganj upazila of Patuakhali.
According to media reports cited by ASK, a group of people attacked Mizanur Rahman's house late on the night of July 17. The assailants allegedly looted valuables from the house before using a bulldozer to demolish parts of the property and later setting it on fire.
The victim's family alleged that several local BNP leaders and activists were involved in the attack. Those accused, however, have denied the allegations.
ASK said that if any individual or group is accused of wrongdoing, legal action must be pursued solely through due judicial process.
"The demolition of a person's home, looting of property or arson without a court order or due legal process is entirely unlawful and contrary to the rule of law," the organization said.
It stressed that, irrespective of a person's political affiliation or ideology, the state has a constitutional obligation to ensure the safety, security and property rights of every citizen.
The rights body also expressed concern that such incidents of organized violence continue despite the installation of an elected government.
"It is particularly alarming that coordinated attacks, vandalism, looting and arson, similar to those witnessed during the tenure of the previous interim government, are still taking place," ASK said.
According to the organization, such incidents raise serious concerns about the rule of law, public safety and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.
ASK warned that allowing individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands would further entrench a culture of impunity and fuel fear and insecurity in society.
Referring to constitutional and international human rights standards, the organization noted that Articles 27 and 31 of the Constitution guarantee all citizens equal protection under the law.
It also cited Articles 17 and 12 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognize the right to property and protect individuals from arbitrary interference with their homes and private lives.
ASK urged the relevant authorities to conduct a prompt, impartial and effective investigation into the incident and bring those responsible to justice.
The organization also called on the authorities to take effective measures to prevent the recurrence of similar incidents in the future.