Eminent citizens and human rights activists have said that the murder of former army officer Maj (retd) Sinha Mohammad Rashed Khan is not an “isolated incident” but part of a long term practice of extrajudicial killings.
The remarks came up at a virtual press conference organized by Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB), a coalition of 20 human rights and development organizations, on Monday.
Ranjan Karmakar, executive director of Steps Towards Development, hosted the program. Forum coordinator, Tamanna Hoq Riti, presented the written statement at the program.
Shamsul Huda, executive director, Association of Land Reform and Development; Khushi Kabir, coordinator, Nijera Kori; Shaheen Anam, executive director, Manusher Jonno Foundation; Zakir Hossain, chief executive, Nagorik Uddyog; Sanjeeb Drong, general secretary, Bangladesh Adivasi Forum; Saleh Ahmed, executive director, Bondhu Social Welfare Society; Abu Ahmed Faizul Kabir, senior coordinator, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK); and Taqbir Huda, research specialist, Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST) also addressed the press conference.
The written statement stated that after the formation of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in 2004, witnesses, investigation by family and relatives, media reports, and human rights organizations both at home and abroad repeatedly expressed deep concern.
They said law enforcement agencies commit extrajudicial killings by calling it “gunfight.” Allegedly, some members of the armed forces are using so-called gunfights as a tool for crime control, drug eradication, and even for political-economic reasons.
“We are observing that the governments have not taken any effective action to stop such killings by investigating these allegations impartially and in an acceptable manner. Many times, responsible persons of the government have made many statements where they were taking a stand in favour of 'gunfights',” the statement read.
According to Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), the statement said: “Since January to August 25, at least 210 persons were killed in said ‘gunfights.’ In most cases, family members and witnesses alleged that the victims did not die in actual gunfights [where both parties have to engage in shootout], but they were victims of extrajudicial killings.”
“From 2018 to August 25 this year, a total of 588 persons died in anti-drug drives across the country. In so-called ‘gunfights’, 287 were killed only in Cox’s Bazar alone, according to media reports, where 161 were killed by Teknaf police. After the joining of the removed OC allegedly involved in the Sinha murder [Teknaf ex-OC Pradeep Kumar Das], 110 persons were killed in said ‘gunfights.’
“The question arises - how can such a police officer work so valiantly to receive the 'Police Medal' in recognition of his contribution to the police force in 2019, since the incident has exposed the lack of accountability within the police force,” it added.
The statement also said from January till August 25, 74 cases were filed under the Digital Security Act where 146 persons were accused. Among them, 77 were journalists.
From 2007 to 25 August this year, 604 persons disappeared, according to claims of victims’ family and relatives, the statement added.
The written statement also discussed the Jessore juvenile deaths inside the juvenile development centre.
Khushi Kabir asked who should be appointed for providing security to the citizens, when they are misusing the law (using DSA). “As a citizen of this country, I have the right to say it can’t be possible that the country that brought freedom through the War of Liberation will not allow freedom of speech.”
Shaheen Anam, while discussing the Jessore juvenile deaths, said: “We only know about those incidents which are published in media reports. Beyond this, there are many such kinds of torture which we are not aware of.”
Sanjeeb Drong urged the government to adopt a law or act for the protection and security of the indigenous people or adivasis.
The program issued a 12-point demand to the government. Some of them are:
- Extrajudicial killing in so-called gunfights have to stop now,
- Formation of an judicial probe commission to investigate all of disappearances, extra judicial killings, torture in custody,
- Publish the reports by the commission for public,
- Ensure compensation to the victims,
- Strictly follow and monitor High Court directives when taking into detention and arrest,
- Ensure freedom of speech,
- Release all those accused who were arrested with the intention of harassment under DSA, including journalist Kajol,
- Quickly dispose of the case of Sifat and Shipra (assistant to Maj Sinha), and also ensure security to their family,
- Ensure all facilities at juvenile development centres, so that the children will be able to grow up as ideal citizens and dignified human beings.
