Govt wasting time with intent
Accusing the government of wasting time in the name of investigation into the killings at Kalshi Bihari Camp, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Prof Mizanur Rahman yesterday demanded prompt identification and trial of the perpetrators.
"How the state will avoid the responsibility of the murder? Those who are involved in it should be identified and brought to book immediately," he told a workshop, "Follow-up on the Implementation of 2nd Cycle Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of Bangladesh", organised by the commission at Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the capital.
At least nine members of a Bihari family were burnt alive and another was killed in police firing at the camp in the capital on June 14.
The Biharis blamed local Awami League lawmaker Elias Uddin Mollah and his accomplices for the attack, saying it was aimed at grab bing the camp land. Even, the Urdu Speaking Peoples Youth Rehabilitation Movement submitted to the state minister for home a list of 50 people including the lawmaker that they accused of the attack.
Citing from news reports, the NHRC chief said police had shot a businessman of Jessore in the leg for not paying Tk 10 lakh as extortion.
He may have to have the leg amputated, he said, adding that if the state did not take action against them, the prevailing culture of impunity would turn fatal.
About his recent visit to Rajshahi Central Jail and the safe home for women, Mizanur said the prisoners were "rotting" there because their appeals had been pending for years.
"Even, I came to know that the appeal of a prisoner has not been disposed of in 17 years. Where is the judiciary? Where are the jail authorities?" he fretted.
Mizanur said he identified at least 29 children in Rajshahi Central Jail who were below 18 but were not sent to juvenile correction centres since some judicial magistrates avoided the additional work of verifying their age.
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