Exhume Kulsum’s body for autopsy

A platform for migrant worker rights demanded the body of 14-year-old Umme Kulsum, who was tortured to death in Saudi Arabia, be exhumed for autopsy, to investigate violence the underage migrant worker went through. 

Bangladesh Civil Society for Migrants (BCSM) made the demand through a statement circulated yesterday. BCSM is a coalition of 19 organisations, including Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit, Ovibashi Karmi Unnayan Program, Ain o Salish Kendra, WARBE Development Foundation, Brac, Young Power in Social Action, Rights Jessore and others.

"If the family agrees, then Kulsum's body should be exhumed for autopsy, so proper investigation can be done. Following the investigation, we also request the government to take appropriate action under Saudi Arabian law, against the perpetrators who tortured her," said the statement.

"We have previously been promised by the relevant ministry that should any migrant worker die of torture abroad, an autopsy shall be performed," it added.

"Since this was an unnatural death, why did the government allow the family to bury the body without conducting an autopsy?" it said.

The platform said it is deeply concerned about how a teenager was given government clearance to go to Saudi Arabia as a migrant worker. It also questioned why the recruiting agency ignored Kulsum's pleas for help, even when she reported the torture. It demanded the government act against not only the recruiting agency who sent Kulsum, but also the government officials whose oversight led to a minor going there as a worker.

The statement was signed by CR Abrar, who chairs BCSM, and Syed Saiful Haque, the co-chair.

Kulsum was a victim of immense violence before losing her life. The perpetrators had broken her legs, knees and hips, and injured one of her eyes. They then dumped her on a street in Saudi Arabia. Police admitted her to the hospital, where she succumbed to her injuries. Her body was brought back on September 11.