ASK condemns law enforcers' attitude
Ain o Salish Kendra yesterday condemned Tuesday's torture of video journalist Sumon Hasan by detectives in Barisal and Wednesday's police attack on anti-quota demonstrators in the capital.
In a statement, the rights group demanded exemplary administrative and legal action for the “barbaric” torture of the journalist. This incident reflects the vindictiveness of the law enforcement agency, the statement said.
In a separate statement, ASK demanded that law enforcement agencies restrain from barring citizens from practicing their civic and political rights.
On Tuesday, a team of Detective Branch (DB) of Barisal Metropolitan Police (BMP) was conducting anti-drug raid at a house near Beauty Cinema Hall.
After introducing him, Sumon sought information from detectives regarding the raid but they “attacked him and tried to force him into their vehicle,” said the ASK statement, quoting media reports. At one point, Sumon lost consciousness.
Senior journalists later informed DB high officials in Barisal of the incident when Sumon was taken to Barisal Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital for treatment.
The eight DB men were closed to Barisal Police Lines on that day.
ASK said such attitude of law enforcers towards journalists, politicians and rights activists was seen in recent times, which is “alarming”.
Meanwhile, police on Wednesday foiled a march of anti-quota campaigners in the capital by charging batons and firing teargas shells, leaving at least 15 of them injured.
University students and job seekers have been demonstrating for reducing the existing quotas in government jobs, especially in civil service from 56 percent to 10 percent.
ASK said foiling of the student demonstration was a violation of human rights and contradictory to the country's constitution.
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