URGENT APPEAL:A man tortured to death; relatives threatened to withdraw the case in Bangladesh

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME 

 Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-145-2008 3 July 2008

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BANGLADESH: A man tortured to death; relatives threatened to withdraw the case ISSUES: Torture; threats; torture victim 

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  Dear friends, 

 The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) that a man was dead on the way to a hospital after being beaten by police at Chakaria Police Station on 14 May 2008. A relative filed a case against those responsible but now his family members received threats to withdraw the case. 

URGENT APPEAL: Student political leader held in detention for 19 months without trial or specific charge

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION – URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Urgent Appeal Case: AHRC-UAC-178-2008

8 August 2008

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BANGLADESH: Student political leader held in detention for 19 months without trial or specific charge

ISSUES: Arbitrary arrest and detention; right to security and liberty

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Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) that Mr. Mahfuzul Haydar Chowdhury Roton was arbitrarily arrested on 16 January 2007 by the Joint Forces. The authorities have detained him in prison under the Special Powers Act-1974, without any trial for any specific charge. He was rearrested and detained despite the High Court Division of the Supreme Court granting him bail on two occasions. Following continuous protests from political activists he was released on 7 August 2008. Please ask the authorities to investigate into this incident of prolonged detention without trial and specific charge.

URGENT APPEAL:Bangladesh: Ensure Protection and Compensation to Tortured Student Leader, Mr. Mahfuzul Haydar Chowdhury Rotan

URGENT APPEAL:Bangladesh: Ensure Protection and Compensation to Tortured Student Leader, Mr. Mahfuzul Haydar Chowdhury Rotan [UA-BA-13.08.2008]

Dear Friends,

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) has received a fact-finding report from Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) regarding the arbitrary arrest, lengthy detention and brutal torture of Mr. Mahfuzul Haydar Chowdhury Rotan, general secretary of Bangladesh student league (BCL). Mr. Rotan has been kept in detention without specific allegations made against him for a period of more then one and a half years. Rotan, who was released recently from Mymensing Central jail, has testified of undergoing brutal torture and is receiving threats of re-arrest, or death by cross fire. GHRD is extremely concerned about the torture and circumstances of the arrest, the lack of due process and the future physical and psychological integrity of Mr. Rotan and his family. GHRD demands adequate compensation for the victim and his family, including the accurate punishment of those persons who were directly and indirectly involved with these severe human rights violations. The cause of detention must be disclosed by the authorities after an impartial investigation, and the report must be published immediately. Please read the fact finding report from BIHR and forward this appeal to the relevant authorities listed below

URGENT APPEAL:Bangladesh: Farmer tortured to death when protesting the torture of his son by the police at Cox´s Bazar District

URGENT APPEAL:Bangladesh: Farmer tortured to death when protesting the torture of his son by the police at Cox´s Bazar District; [UA-BA-18.06.2008]

Dear Friends,

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) has received a fact finding report from the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and the Centre for Fact-Finding and Research (CHFR) regarding the brutal and fatal torture of farmer Sirajul Islam (52) of Chakaria Upazia in Cox’s Bazar District on the 14-15 May, 2008. Sirajul was tortured to death due to his attempt to hinder the police from torturing his son.

URGENT APPEAL: Bangladesh: Student Leader of Sunni Religion Brutally Tortured by Policemen

Appeal: Bangladesh: Student Leader of Sunni Religion Brutally Tortured by Policemen

Dear Friends,

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) is deeply concerned about information received by the Bangladesh Institute for Human Rights (BIHR) regarding a student league leader that has been brutally tortured by Policemen on 9 November 2007 in Bangladesh. The victim is a 29 year old student in his seventh semester of Computer Science & Engineering at the University of Queens in Dhaka. Early in the morning on 9 November 2007 he was tortured in his own home by the guards of the residence. The names of the 7 guards that were on duty that morning are known, together with the names of the 7 conspirators to the torture.

URGENT APPEAL: Bangladesh: College student (20) arrested and tortured by the police at Ramna, DMP, Dhaka, Bangladesh

URGENT APPEAL: Bangladesh: College student (20) arrested and tortured by the police at Ramna, DMP, Dhaka, Bangladesh [UA-BA-08.04.2008(a)]

Dear Friends,

Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) has received disturbing information regarding a male college student (20) who was arrested and tortured on 07 March 2008. The young student was taken to the police station in Dhaka and continuously tortured until the following day according to the Bangladesh Institute for Human Rights (BIHR) that investigated the matter. 

URGENT APPEAL:Concern about Arbitrary Detention,Review Lawfulness of Detention of Mr. Hasan Khan

24 February 2009 

 Sheikh Hasina Prime Minister 

Office of the Prime Minister 

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh 

Tejgaon, Dhaka 

BANGLADESH 

 Dear Prime Minister, 

  Concern about Arbitrary Detention, Review Lawfulness of Detention of Mr. Hasan Khan 

 The Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples (ACPP), a regional human rights organization based in Hong Kong, writes to express our concern over the personal security of Mr. Hasan Khan who was arrested o n 25 May 2008. We are concerned that the case of Mr. Khan may constitute arbitrary detention which is a breach of article 9 of the International Covenant on the Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR). ACPP is informed from local human rights organization Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) that Mr. Hasan Khan, 32 years old, was abducted by 6 Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) officers on the way home from Gazipur Court around 12:15pm, 25 May 2008.

FACT FINDING REPORT: An Immediate Released Prisoner Has Not Been Known for Nine Months Following the Detain by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-1

An Immediate Released Prisoner Has Not Been Known for Nine Months Following the Detain by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-1 in Dhaka. 

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact-finding report conducted by a high level fact-finding team of BIHR regarding to Mr. Hasan Khan, an immediate released prisoner has not been known for nine months following the detain by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-1, in Dhaka. His relatives have appealed to top officials, including the head of the government, since his disappearance and also filed a Writ Petition to the High Court Division of Supreme Court of Bangladesh and the Court issued the rule to the concern authority of the Government as well as directed to response the rule within three weeks but no appropriate action has been taken, even no investigation has been conducted

URGENT APPEAL: Whereabouts of an immediate released prisoner remain unrevealed after being arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion in Dhaka

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME URGENT APPEAL CASE: BIHR-IUA-01-02-2009 

DATE: February 23, 2009 ====================================== 

BANGLADESH: Whereabouts of an immediate released prisoner remain unrevealed after being arrested by the Rapid Action Battalion in Dhaka 

ISSUES: Arbitrary arrest; involuntary disappearance and security ================================================== 

Dear Friends Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact-finding report conducted by a high level fact-finding team of BIHR regarding to Mr. Hasan Khan, an immediate released prisoner has not been known for nine months following the detain by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-1, in Dhaka. His relatives have appealed to top officials, including the head of the government, since his disappearance and also filed a Writ Petition to the High Court Division of Supreme Court of Bangladesh and the Court issued the rule to the concern authority of the Government as well as directed to response the rule within three weeks but no appropriate action has been taken, even no investigation has been conducted. BIHR urges your immediate intervention to save his life as well as knows whereabouts him. 

Shahanur Islam Files Historic Complaint with UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh

In a groundbreaking move, Shahanur Islam, a courageous advocate for human rights, has become the first person in Bangladesh to submit a formal complaint to the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGID). The complaint, filed on November 11, 2008, sheds light on the disturbing case of Hasan Khan, who was reportedly kidnapped and forcibly disappeared by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from Uttara, Dhaka.

The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, established by the UN Human Rights Council, plays a crucial role in investigating cases of enforced disappearances worldwide. By bringing attention to this grave concern through his complaint, Shahanur Islam has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.

Hasan Khan's story represents just one of many disturbing cases of individuals who have been victims of enforced disappearances in the country. Shahanur Islam's formal complaint highlights the urgent need for justice, accountability, and an end to such heinous acts.

FACT FINDING REPORT: Threats Against Human rights defender Mr. Shahanur Islam

Date: September 01, 2008

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-02-08

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact finding report conducted by the fact-finding team of BIHR from August 31 to September 01, 2008 regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities

STATEMENT:On United States Human Rights (USHR) report on Bangladesh dated 27 March 2008 the home affairs Adviser Mr. M. A Matin of Bangladesh.......

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

  On United States Human Rights (USHR) report on Bangladesh dated 27 March 2008 the home affairs Adviser Mr. M. A Matin of Bangladesh caretaker Govt. has evaluated as “lack of Balance” on the following grounds: - (1) That the report has not acknowledged the reform of (a) Election commission (b) Public Service commission (c) Anticorruption commission (d) Separation of judiciary (e) Revision of police Act with adherence to human rights principles and standards (f) initiative to establish a National Human Rights commission. (2) Those extrajudicial killings by Law enforcing agencies including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been reduced than the previous time.

FACT FINDING REPORT:Human Rights Defender Shahanur Islam Receives His Life Threats

Date: February 07, 2008

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-01-08 

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a report reliable source regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Team Leader and team In Charge of Lobbying Campaign & Advocacy Team at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. 

BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: 

  Name of the Victim :Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Team Leader and team In Charge of Lobbying Campaign & Advocacy Team at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT). During the time of his duties, he moved many cases against the perpetrators as a lawyer and some of them have been punished. He also conducted many investigations and fact-finding missions on human rights violations as well as issued local and international urgent appeals requesting attention to concerned authorities. 

STATEMENT:Trial of the offenders of Extra- judicial killing in the name of Operation Clean Heart and Cross Fire is a necessary demand of the citizens

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

In the preamble of the constitution of Bangladesh it has been clearly declared that “ it shall be a fundamental aim of the state to realize through the democratic process of socialist society, free from exploitation- a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizen”. It is well known to the whole national and international communities that the last BNP-Jamat government in the name of controlling deterioration of law and order situation deployed army in the year 2003.

STATEMENT:Election conducting Government officials right from the office of Chief Election commission up to Returning officer...

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

 Since after the killing of the father of the Nation Bangabundhu Sheikh Muzibur Rahman on 15 August 1975 the following elections were held in Bangladesh: 1. Referendum of Military ruler Lt. General Ziaur Rahman was held in the year 1977. At best 2 % of voters turned out but the election-conducting officials in the presence of the Military showed 98% casting of the total voters and Ziaur Rahman achieved the peoples mandate to become the president simultaneously holding the post of Chief Staff of Army. There was no role of politicians in that rigging of election.

STATEMENT:De-militarization of Bangladesh for the political stability and implementation of Human Rights

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

 The legacy of militarization was acquired from Pakistan since after 1947, the de-colonization and independence of India from British Empire. Pakistan was partitioned from India on two nation Hindu-Muslim theory not on the basis of strong political institution as was happened in India under Indian Congress. The dictatorial attitude of Mr. Mohammad Ali Jinnah of Muslim League of Pakistan did not allow making a 2nd man in his absence to run the Government of Pakistan. At the death of Mr. Jinnah just after one year of independence of Pakistan in September 1948 no able political leadership was found to lead the country.

STATEMENT:State of Emergency has become the Main Obstacle in the Path of Protection of Human Rights

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

 The army backed care taker government declared state of emergency on 11 January 2007 at eve of taking power as caretaker government under article 141 of the constitution. As per constitution its duration will be maximum 120 days. The prevailing situation of the country does not demand further extension of the period of emergency in Bangladesh. but the army backed caretaker government under the direction of the invisible government, the directorate general of forces of intelligence (DGFI) might have been unable to lift state of emergency.