An unusual request
National Human Rights Commission Chairman Mizanur Rahman yesterday asked Limon Hossain, maimed by Rab personnel in Jhalakathi two years ago, to withdraw the case his mother had filed against six Rab officials, considering his future economic security.
Mizanur, who was reappointed NHRC chairman for a second term yesterday, told The Daily Star, “We are considering what strategy should be pursued so that Limon's interests are protected.
"We have asked him to withdraw the case if that ensures economic packages from government and non-government organisations.”
Limon, 19, said the chairman also told him that the commission had sent letters to the home ministry, requesting withdrawal of the "false cases" against him.
He quoted the NHRC boss as saying, “You cannot win a fight against the state or government, but considering your financial state, I personally suggest you withdraw the case if you wish.”
Mizanur said all this when Limon met him yesterday.
Limon, currently in the capital recovering from an ear operation, was shot in the left leg on his way to bring back cattle home at Chhaturia village of Jhalakathi on March 23, 2011. His leg had to be amputated later.
A team from Rab-8, led by Deputy Additional Director Lutfor Rahman, was involved in the shooting.
Following the incident, the Rapid Action Battalion director said Limon was the victim of a "shootout". Yet, the crime busters filed false cases against him on charges of possessing firearms and obstructing law enforcers from discharging duties.
In April that year, Limon's mother Henowara Begum sued six Rab officials for attempt to murder.
Talking to The Daily Star yesterday, Limon said he would leave it to Ain O Salish Kendra (ASK), which is providing him with financial, medical and legal support, and the NHRC to decide what will be best for him.
Queried if he wants to withdraw the case, Limon said, “I don't want another Limon to lose what I have lost. I want to continue with the case to see what law can do for the poor.”
Mizanur said the commission was in a "dialogue with the government and the ASK to find out what is realistic for Limon and his family”.
Asked about the possibility of withdrawal of the case against Rab, Sultana Kamal, executive director of ASK, said, “In line with ASK's characteristics, we never enter into any negotiations on such matters.”
Commenting on Mizanur's suggestion, Adilur Rahman Khan, secretary of Odhikar, a rights organisation, said, “The state is becoming more and more repressive and various institutions that are supposed to be neutral and independent are becoming the mouthpiece of the state.”
Instead of protecting the victims' rights, they look after the government's political interests and the perpetrators belonging to law enforcement agencies, he added.
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