FORUM-ASIA calls for transparency
Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) has called upon the Bangladesh government to carry out a thorough, impartial and transparent investigation into the murder of Buet student Abrar Fahad and bring the perpetrators to justice.
In a press statement, issued Friday night, the rights body also demanded that the government ensure freedom of expression for all, and respect and protect it as a fundamental right. It also stressed the need for ending the culture of impunity in the country.
Condemning the brutal murder of Abrar, the Forum -- a coalition of 81 rights organisations in Asia -- said the incident indicates that freedom of expression in Bangladesh has been “severely challenged” due to shrinking civic space.
“The killing of Abrar exposes not only crimes committed by Chhatra League, but also the dysfunctions of the institutions of the country, including the law enforcement agencies and the judiciary,” the forum said in the statement.
“The abuses by Chhatra League in forms of harassment, criminal intimidation and extortion are often reported, and there is seemingly no attempt from the government to hold these perpetrators accountable,” it added.
It further said the death of Abrar has not only stirred public outcry in Bangladesh, but also earned condemnation from the international community.
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