The two cases filed by Rab against Limon Hossain, a college student from Jhalakathi, on charges of carrying fire arms and obstructing the force from discharging their duties, are to be withdrawn.
Home Minister Mohiuddin Khan Alamgir disclosed the matter to journalists on Tuesday at his office. He said the government decided to withdraw the cases so that Limon could live a "normal life."
Ministry officials confirmed that a file was placed before the home minister on July 2 regarding the withdrawal of the cases, and the minister gave his consent Tuesday.
However, neither Limon, nor the Rab authorities were informed of the government decision.
Wing Commander ATM Habibur Rahman, director of the legal and media wing of Rab, told the Dhaka Tribune that they were not informed of the government decision officially. “We have come to know about the decision through media reports.”
The move came two years after Limon was shot in his leg on March 23, 2011 during a drive. Limon’s left leg was amputated at the thigh on March 27, as the tissue in his leg was completely damaged from excessive bleeding caused by delay in treatment after the shooting. The HSC examinee is still undergoing treatment.
When asked whether the ministry was considering actions against the Rab personnel responsible for shooting Limon, the minister replied: “I do not think it is necessary considering the situation when Limon was arrested.”
Meanwhile, CQK Mustak, senior secretary of the home ministry, told the Dhaka Tribune that the decision was yet to be executed. “It is under process.”
On July 1, a Jhalakathi trial court indicted Limon in the arms case.
A Rab team allegedly shot Limon, then 16, near his home in Jamaddarhat, Rajapur upazila, Jhalakathi. They picked him up and filed the two cases against him on the same day with Rajapur police station.
Limon's mother, Henoara Begum, filed a case on April 10, 2011, accusing six Rab personnel of attempting to murder, severely injuring and maiming her son. Police on August 14 of last year secretly filed a final report in the case claiming that they found no evidence and witnesses against Rab. Limon’s mother filed a “no confidence” (Naraji) plea against the final report. It was later rejected by the court.
Rights body Ain o Salish Kendra, several other organisations and human rights activists have long been assisting Limon in the legal process. There have been outcries and criticisms against the government and the Rab for falsely implicating the teenager, who used to work at a brick kiln to meet his educational expenses.
Following Tuesday’s development, National Human Rights Commission issued a press release saying: “The government’s decision will pave the way for ensuring justice for Limon.”
The press release also said protecting Limon’s rights was linked to thousands of poor and disadvantaged people in the county.
Commission Chairman Prof Mizanur Rahman told the Dhaka Tribune: “The home minister informed me on the phone at 1:50pm today that he signed the notice for withdrawing the cases against Limon.”
He also said the commission had forwarded several letters to the home ministry requesting the withdrawal of the cases. The last letter was sent on June 30.
Prof Mizanur also denied media reports that as an intermediary, he had also requested Limon’s family to withdraw their case against Rab earlier this month.
However, Limon on June 25 told the Dhaka Tribune: “If Ain o Salish Kendra continues to support me in the legal battle, I would prefer not to withdraw the case, although Mizan sir [the NHRC chairman] suggested I do so.”
It’s sympathy, not justice: Limon
Limon said he was not satisfied despite the decision.
Talking to the Dhaka Tribune Tuesday night, he said he was informed by the NHRC chairman. “Sir called me to inform me about the government decision,” he said.
The government decision could not make him happy as he was shown “sympathy for his young age and physical condition.”
“I heard through the media reports that the home minister said the cases against me would be withdrawn considering my young age and that I am maimed,” Limon said.
“But I was not a maimed boy. It should be made clear who made me maimed and for what reason.”
He said: “I am not against the Rab since the entire force is not responsible for my condition. Some of them made me victimised for their ill-purpose.”
Demanding punishment to those Rab men and seeking justice for making him maim and spoiling his life, the college boy said: “Unless those Rab men are punished, ‘Limon’ will be created in every houses and those ill-motivated law enforcers would get privileges.”
