Extrajudicial killings fall significantly

The number of extrajudicial killings has dropped significantly in the country as only nine such cases have been recorded since August, said rights group Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK) yesterday.

ASK Assistant Coordinator Tamanna Hoq made the statement while presenting the findings of a report titled "Statistical Picture of Prevailing Human Rights Situation" in a virtual conference.

Three people were killed in each month since August and the number cases reduced after the killing of Maj (retd) Sinha Md Rashed Khan on July 31, she said.

A total of 219 persons were killed either in law enforcers' custody or in so-called gunfights till October 25, the report read.

The highest 50 persons were killed in July whereas 23 were killed in January, 27 in February, 37 in March, 16 in April, 29 in May, and 28 in June, it added.

The report was prepared based on news reports published on nine national dailies, online news portals, and ASK's own findings.

Addressing the conference, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairperson Nasima Begum said no person or institution with good sense can support extrajudicial killings.

A total of 63 prisoners, including 37 convicts, died of various reasons including illness so far this year, the report read.

The report also mentioned that 214 journalists fell victim to torture, harassment and murder on duty.

Besides, 97 cases were filed against 190 persons under the Digital Security Act, with highest 47 persons made accused in 19 cases in May.

The report said 1,307 women were raped, including 270 victims of gang-rape, whereas 45 of the total rape victims were killed and 13 committed suicide.

Alarmingly, 326 women were raped in October, the report added.

Addressing on surge in rape, NHRC Chairperson Nasima Begum said speedy trial in rape cases was required for the elimination of such a heinous crime.

"A person with good virtue can never get involved in such heinous act," she added.

The ASK report said 475 women faced domestic violence. Of them, 313 were murdered and 80 committed suicide. Women were subject of fatwa and village arbitration in eight incidents.

Some 1,398 children faced violence including physical torture and 474 children were killed. Of the victims, 824 girls were raped and 25 boys were molested, said the report.

In cross-border incidents, 41 Bangladeshis were killed, including 35 shot dead, and six tortured to death by Indian Border Security Force members, read the report.

Besides, 22 Bangladeshis were injured and 20 kidnapped in cross-border incidents, it said.

Noted rights activist and Secretary General of ASK Executive Committee Noor Khan said a comprehensive report by rights defenders on the progress of rights violation cases can be submitted before the NHRC for its effective steps.

The report can highlight why some cases ended in final report, why some remained pending, and why witnesses failed or disagreed to give account, he said.