Hotline Asia issued UA070628(3) in 2007 to support local groups’ call for an impartial inquiry into cases of extra-judicial killings, tortures and arbitrary arrests and persecution of those responsible for the these human rights violations, re-iterating the state’s obligation under international human rights standards. The struggle continues.

Human Rights Day, 10 December 2007, marked the 330th day of the state of emergency in Bangladesh. According to a local human rights organization, Odhikar, there have been 169 extra-judicial killings from 12 January to 7 December 2007, reportedly committed by law enforcement personnel such as the Rapid Action Battallion, and the police. Among them, 116 have been killed in “crossfire” and 27 were tortured to death.

The victims were mainly members of political parties, but some were also farmers, businesspeople and bus drivers. While 23 of them were allegedly dacoits (armed robbers) and 32 criminals, no information was found about their crimes.

The press release reminded about the Bangladesh’s signatory to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), International Covenant of Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and Convention Against Torture (CAT), and urged the government to end the impunity for extra-judicial killings by conducting an independent investigation of the cases, bring perpetrators to justice, as well as compensate families of the victims.

Source:
Forum Asia

In June 2007, Hotline Asia issued UA070628(3) to call for an impartial inquiry for 2 activists Messrs. Shahudul Islam and Ranglai Mrong. They were arrested by the interim government in January 2007 when the state of emergency was declared.

Shahudul Islam was granted bail and has been out of jail since August 2007. However, his health is bad and will soon leave for India for a leg operation. His legal case is still pending and he has to appear in the court in person whenever the date is fixed.

Unfortunately, Ranglai Mrong was sentenced to 17 years imprisonment. According to the local source, his case was heard by the "Speedy Trial Court" of Chittagong where cases had to be finished within 45 days without proper investigation and information. Moreover, due to the strict control of the army in Chittagong, the police investigation was allegedly influenced greatly by the army. It was reported his family members were so fearful that they refused to take the case to higher courts, despite free legal assistance being offered.

Source:
Local source