The Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) on Saturday tried to hinder a group of civil society members to form a human chain protesting at frequent disappearance, killings and abductions across the country. The protesters, however, managed to form a human chain at the Manik Mia avenue in front of National Assembly building in Dhaka despite police hindrances. Police seized the public address system and arrested the puller of the rickshaw that was carrying the system. The law enforcers also took away banners, placards and leaflets from the organisers. In a brief rally the speakers expressed their concern over the disappearances, killings and abductions. They demanded punishment to the people involved in the horrible acts. Transparency International Chairperson Sultana Kamal, also the Executive Director of Ain O Salis Kenra, said, “We’re worried at the disappearances and killings around the country. We decided to hold this rally to express our concern. We condemn the police action against such a programme.” Advocate Shahdeen Malik said, “We gathered here to protest disappearances and abductions. We want punishment to the person who are involved in the criminal acts.” He also demanded withdrawal of all Rapid Action Battalion members from Narayanganj. The rally was addressed, among others, by Sujon central committee secretary Badiul Alam Majumder, Campaign for Popular Education executive director Rasheda K Chowdhury, Economist Debapriya Bhattacharya and lawyer ZI Khan Panna.
