Number of 'shootout' victims on the rise

As many as 275 people have fallen victim to extra-judicial killings in the last six months till June 30 this year, says Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK).

Of them, 239 were killed in “crossfire” with law enforcers. Last year, the number was 144, according to the rights body.

Incidents of “shootouts” spiked up recently amid the ongoing nation-wide anti-narcotics crackdown that began in May.

Among the 239, 176 were killed in so-called shootouts since May 15 amid the anti-drug drive, said a half-yearly report published by ASK on human rights situation in the country. 

The report mentioned the killing of Teknaf municipal councillor Akramul Haque and said the unverified audio clips provided by the victim's family to journalists created controversy over the law enforcers' involvement in the incident.

The rights body has prepared the report based on its own findings and it was published in eight leading national dailies.

Meanwhile, 24 people were killed in shootings over various causes by members of the law enforcement agencies while 12 others died from torture, heart attack, other ailments or mysterious reasons in custody.

ENFORCED DISAPPEARANCE

According to the report, the number of victims of enforced disappearance and abductions allegedly by law enforcers declined this year compared to the first half of 2017.

This year, 3 persons were picked up by plainclothes men, identifying themselves as law enforcers, while in 2017, some 44 were victims of such incidents.

However, none of the law enforcement agency had admitted picking up any of them.

On the other hand, at least 145 incidents of political violence also took place till June 30, resulting in 16 deaths and 1,998 injuries, ASK also said in its report.

RAPE, VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN

Incidents of rape saw a sharp rise this year, with 427 women being victims of sexual violence between January and June, which is 147 more than that of last year.

Thirty-seven were killed after rape and three committed suicide while 57 others escaped attempted rape.

Moreover, 58 women were sexually harassed during the corresponding time and three of them committed suicide. In the last six months, four men were killed for protesting sexual harassment, the report added.

Besides, at least 204 women fell victim to domestic violence; 144 of them were killed and 30 others committed suicide. Alongside, 30 women became victims of physical abuse.

The ASK report said 112 women were victims of dowry-related issues; of them, 44 were killed, four committed suicide while 52 others suffered physical injuries.

The report further said 25 domestic workers were tortured. Six of them died due to mysterious reasons.

Fourteen other women were victims of acid violence and three victims to arbitration and Fatwa.

VIOLENCE AGAINST CHILDREN

Violence against children saw steep rise in the country this year, said the report. At least 856 children were subjected to torture, which is 227 more than that of last year. Among them, 148 were killed and 58 committed suicide. Meanwhile, bodies of 53 children were recovered after they went missing.

OTHER CASES OF VIOLENCE

In the past six months, six Hindu houses were torched and 28 idols vandalised. Arson attacks and vandalism at temples and altars also took place. In these incidents, 24 persons were injured.

Meanwhile, 90 journalists were tortured, harassed and threatened for performing their professional duties, the report also added.

Along the border, three Bangladeshis were killed and nine other were injured by Indian Border Security Force.

The administration imposed section 144 on 12 occasions across the country. Twenty-two people were killed in mob beating, added the ASK report.