ASK says revising Custodial Death Act will cripple human rights

Human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) reacted to Bangladesh Police's amendment request on Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013 saying it will cast a shadow on Bangladesh’s human right situation. During Police Week 2018 organized by Bangladesh Police, which began on January 8, police officials said current Custodial Death (Prevention) Act, 2013 is an obstruction for police’s normal activities. The police have been urging for a revision of this law, which was passed by majority vote in parliament in 2013 after it was being demanded by humanitarian organizations for a long time. The parliament has signed this law to acknowledge the United Nations conventions against all derogatory and inhuman behaviour under custody. ASK in its press release said every human being has the right to get justice for any cruel or illegal behaviour in custody. The organization said this law was enacted by parliament to meet a longstanding demand of civil society of the country. Any change of this law will create serious aspersion on Bangladesh’s stance on human rights. ASK also expressed concern recalling recent news of death and torture in police custody while this law is still effective.