Form judicial probe body

A judicial probe commission should be formed to ensure justice for the victims of enforced disappearances, abductions and extra-judicial killings, noted citizens said yesterday.

Allegations of rights violation against state agencies have to be investigat-ed immediately and impartially, they said and demanded that those in-volved be punished through as par law.

The newly formed citizen’s platform Nagorik Nirapotta Jote at a press con-ference at the Jatiya Press Club also demanded establishing rule of law and justice.

The government should make sure that the law enforcers follow the high-er court directive during arrest and detention.

Besides, National Human Rights Commission, Information Commission, Law Commission, Anti-corruption Commission, and Election Commission need to be strong enough to implement their mandate independently.

Referring to Ain o Salish Kendra data from January-April, Shamsul Huda, executive director of Association for Land Reform and Development, said 118 people were killed in so-called gunfights with law enforcers, 354 women and 234 children were raped, 144 children killed and 171 tortured.

Besides, there were six incidents of enforced disappearance during the time, he said. However, he added that one of them had returned.

Transparency International Bangladesh Executive Director Dr Iftek-haruzzaman said state institutions have become partisan and corrupt. The lack of good governance is also evident.

“As a result, these institutions fail to demonstrate their professional du-ties,” he said.

Because of the Digital Security Act, people’s freedom of expression, op-portunity to be part of the development process and chances to make the government accountable have gone, he added.

Rights activist Hameeda Hossain said different government institutions should be accountable.

“State institutions have their own laws and regulations. Why don’t they follow those?” she asked.

The government should let people know whether the Supreme Court di-rective to form committees on sexual harassment at educational institu-tions and workplaces is being followed properly.

Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori, said a culture of fear was prevail-ing in the country.