It is extremely disheartening that extrajudicial killings in the guise of crossfire, enforced disappearances, and torture in police custody have been tarnishing the country’s image both at home and abroad. According to a media report, among the law enforcing agencies police are involved in more extrajudicial killings than the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB), says a study report.
The Centre for Governance Studies (CGS), a think tank, conducted research and media studies on governance issues between 2019 and 2021, and released the report on Saturday at a virtual discussion titled “Executions at Will?” While revealing the study findings, it said the total number of extrajudicial killings over the last three years was 562. Of them, police, including DB, were involved with a majority of the cases during the period, that is, 51.24 per cent, RAB 28.8 per cent, while the rest were in the hands of other agencies, including the BGB. It further reveals that the number of extrajudicial killings in Cox’s Bazar is astronomically higher than that of the rest of the country. Cox’s Bazar alone found 238 cases of killings while Dhaka 58, followed by Chattogram’s 30. Then again, Ain o Salish Kendra, a rights body, said at least 1,125 persons were killed in so-called “shootouts” involving police, RAB and other forces in the five years till November last.
Meanwhile, experts pointed out that since the US imposed sanctions on RAB on December 10 last year, only two extrajudicial killings have taken place. It indicates that the US sanctions have brought a respite in the extrajudicial killings since then. However, the temporary pause is not a solution to the practices and culture of impunity. They questioned when there is a gunfight, why are there no casualties of bystanders? Why are there no signs of a gunfight having taken place in or around the area?” The CGS recommended appointment of an independent commission with members from the government, representatives of national and international human rights organisations, and members of civil society and journalists to investigate each alleged incident of extrajudicial killings of the past and bring perpetrators to book for severe punishment. It also suggested that the National Human Rights Commission must be empowered to investigate law enforcement agencies.
It is time to hold these law-enforcing institutions accountable, and warn them that they cannot simply do as they wish without any regard for human life. It is also time to take a stand against extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Such practices have no place in a functioning democracy. When will they stop here?
For courage necessary for change we must follow Ukrainians and admire their patriotism. We have had leaders who provoked war then fled first. We have to treat them as heroes to accept slavery.
