‘Withdraw comments endorsing crossfire at once’

Rights activists yesterday expressed deep concern and frustration over parliament members’ demands of killing rapists “in crossfires”. 

They said such remarks from the legislature will hinder establishment of rule of law in the country. It will also encourage a culture of impunity and increase the number of extrajudicial killings.

They also demanded that parliamentarians withdraw their “injudicious” comments immediately.

Several senior lawmakers, from both the treasury and opposition benches, at Jatiya Sangsad on Tuesday said law enforcement agencies should “kill rapists in crossfires” to stop rape incidents, which have alarmingly increased in recent times.

Yesterday, in a press statement, Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) said the forum and its members were “stunned and outraged” after hearing such comments at the parliament, the highest legislature of the country.

“When lawmakers ask to defy laws themselves, it will definitely impact the country’s human rights situation and establishment of justice,” said HRFB, a platform of rights activists.

Terming crossfires brutal and inhuman, the forum said law enforcement agencies have already developed a tendency of breaking laws and misusing their power by carrying out crossfires.

“The state visibly expressed its lack of confidence on its own judiciary [by favouring crossfire], which has put the efforts of establishing justice in danger,” it added. In a separate press statement, Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) -- a prominent human rights organisation -- said ASK has been demanding a ban on crossfire for a long time as it is against the constitution.

But lawmakers are demanding an illegal and inhuman act like this which is unfortunate, said the statement issued by its executive director Sheepa Hafiza.

Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman, in a press statement, said they want to consider the lawmakers’ comments driven by emotion. “But how could they forget the significance of protecting human rights and establishing rule of law?” he asked.

Such a stance from policymakers will cause professional degradation among law enforcement agencies and increase people’s distrust in the judiciary, he added.

Naripokkho, a women’s rights organisation, in its statement said if the government wants to eradicate rape, it should ensure proper justice and uproot the culture of impunity. On the other hand, crossfires will encourage extrajudicial killings and the culture of impunity, it added.