Monthly Human Rights Observation Report on

February, 2017

HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SOCIETY

(HRSS)

wwww.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Executive Summary

In February 2017, Human rights violation is being continued as similar as to the previous month in Bangladesh. In this month, the most significant human rights issues were violent attack, domestic violence, and abduction. But the worst situations were in the case of rape, gang rape, and child rape. Especially, extra- judicial killing has been observed as more severe form in February.

According to the source of human rights support center (HRSC), approximately 20 people were killed extra-judicially in February 2017. The deaths occurred during raids, arrests as well as during operations by the law-enforcement agencies. The government often regretfully describes these deaths as the name of crossfire/gunfights/encounter killing.

Moreover, HRSC report demonstrates that a total of 42 females were alleged to be raped in February 2017. Among of them, around 20 were below the age of 16 and 03 were killed after rape. About 07 women were subjected to be gang raped. A total of 09 women were killed for dowry and roughly 16 were sexually harassed. Approximately, 19 women were killed in the family feud.

On the other hand, at least 02 Bangladeshi citizens were killed by BSF and one killed by BGP. Around 36 people were killed in the violent attack. Accounts of 52 people have been abducted. Furthermore, around 05 people were killed in political violence. At least 11 people

were killed in a public lynching. Remarkably, around 11 children were killed and 11 were

critically injured in a total of nearly 19 incidents.

2017 -

However, we hope that this report will help mass people, civil society as well as international

February February communities to realize the current dreadful and degrading human rights situation in Bangladesh. We are deeply concerned about debasing human rights situation in our beloved country. We also urge national and international human rights organizations as well as every non-state actor to raise their voice to protect and promote human rights in Bangladesh.

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human

1 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Table of Contents Page SL Topics Number

1 Executive Summary 01

2 Table of Contents 02

3 Extra-judicial Killing 03

4 Violence Against Women 05

5 Violent Attack 09

6 Abduction 11

7 Violence against children 13

8 Political Violence 15

9 Recovery of Dead Body 17

2017 -

10 Border Killing 19 February 11 Attack on Journalist 21

12 Public Lynching 22

13 At a Glance February 2017 23

14 Conclusion 24

| Bangladesh on Report ation 15 Recommendation 25

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 2 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Extra Judicial Killing

Extrajudicial killing is an arbitrary or unlawful deprivation of life and simply murder. This is the killing of a person by governmental authorities without the sanction of any judicial proceeding or legal process.1Bangladesh has earned notoriety in carrying out extrajudicial killings. „Crossfire‟ or „encounter‟ and gunfight are very common terms used by the LEA to hide their crime and avoid the liabilities of extra-judicial killing. After killing in a pre- planned and cool head, the police and RAB2 authorities have informed the media that the victim‟s died to engage in the crossfire. These extra-judicial killings are depriving the people of their rights to lives and right to get justice in neutral open court. 3The government of Bangladesh has been violating the constitution and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights day after day since 2002 especially when the operation clean heart started. Now the situation is becoming more complex day by day. In Bangladesh, the law says minimum force should be applied to arrests and every person has the right to seek a trial. In the cases of "crossfire or encounters, the rights to life and personal liberty are under threat in Bangladesh, despite the fact that they are guaranteed by the constitution of the People‟s Republic of Bangladesh the constitutions. The existing legal framework does not allow encounter killing.

15

1 Crossfire 2017

- Shot to Death 3 Touture to Death Custodial Death February February 1

Figure 01: Scenario of Encounter killing in February 2017

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation The given pie chart provides information about the extra- judicial killing scenario in February 2017: According to Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) report, a total of 20 persons were alleged kill extra-judicially. Out of them, 15 people were killed in the name of ‘crossfire/ gunfights’, 01 was shot to death, almost 03 torture to death and 01 died in the custody. Some important cases are mentioned below:

1 http://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/constitutional-law.

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 2 http://www.lawteacher.net 3 http://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/constitutional-law.

3 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

On February 13, 2017 an alleged criminal was killed in a “gunfight” between his cohorts and law enforcers in Munshiganj town. The dead is Shahjalal Miji, 33, of Dakkhin Courtgaon area in the town. He stood accused in at least 22 cases filed with different police stations of the district, said police.4

On Feb 14, 2017 a regional leader of the outlawed Purba Banglar Communist Party was killed during a gunfight between extremists and law enforcers in Dhalarchar area of Aminpur in Pabna. The dead is identified as Md Nistar Hossain alias Jahid alias Nijam, 40, leader of Nistar bahini. Nistar was wanted in 13 cases, including the one for killing three policemen in Dhalarchar, the OC added.5

On Feb 16, 2017 a suspected member of an outlawed party was killed in a reported gunfight with police at village Maura Bongram of Pangsha in Rajbari. The deceased was identified as Moazzem Fakir, a member of 'Bipul Bahini', an outlawed gang. Moazzem was wanted in a number of cases, including that of murder, the police officer-in-charge said.6

On Feb 18, 2017 a suspected robber was killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion in Budhpara area of Rajshahi city. The deceased was identified as Kawser Hossain, a resident of Chapainawabganj sadar. He had two murder cases among four filed against him, RAB said.The body was kept at the hospital morgue for autopsy.7

On Feb 20, 2017 a suspected drug trader was killed in a reported gunfight between two rival groups at Shikri Battala of Benapole in Jessore. The deceased was identified as Selim, 45, son of Taher of Bhaberber area in Benapole. Selim was wanted in several cases filed under the

Narcotics Control Act.8

2017 -

On Feb 22, 2017 two people were killed in a „gunfight‟ with detective branch of police at

Fatulla in Narayanganj. The dead were Mukhter Hossain alias Killer Mukhter and his cohort February

Md Manik alias Kala Manik, both aged between 25 and 30, said Narayanganj detective branch of police officer-in-charge Ahmedul Islam.9

On February 23, 2017 an alleged robber was killed in a reported gunfight with police in Khoiyabazar area in Khulna city. The deceased was identified as Zia Sana alias Hat Kata Zia alias Bomaru Sana, 45, son of Kabir Ali Gazi of Gutudia village of Dumuria Thana.10

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

4 http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/criminal-killed-gunfight-cops-1360816 5 http://bangla.samakal.net/2017/02/15/270384 6 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=53893&cat=1/ 7 http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/wholecountry/2017/02/19/104537.html 8 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=54574&cat=9/ 9

http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1087336 Rights MonthlyObserv Human 10 http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1089526/ Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 4 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Violence against Women

Violence against women and girls is one of the most systematic and widespread human rights violations. It is rooted in gendered social structures rather than individual and random acts; it cuts across age, socio-economic, educational and geographic boundaries; affects all societies; which are the major obstacle to ending gender inequality and discrimination globally.11In 1993, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, The United Nations defines violence against women as “any act of gender-based violence that results in, or is likely to result in, physical, sexual or psychological harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coercion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life”.12Violence against women is a main social problem in contemporary Bangladesh. Inhuman attacks on women have become commonplace and widespread across the country. Daily news reports are filled with atrocities including physical and psychological torture, sexual harassment, sexual assault, rape, dowry-related violence, trafficking, coerced suicide, and murder. The rate of reported violent acts against women has risen steadily and at an alarming rate, especially in February 2017. HRSS provides the following data has been taken from 12 prominent daily newspapers in Bangladesh.

45

40

35 2017 - 30

25 42

20 February February 15 19 10 16 9 5 0 Rape Sexual Killed for Killed in Family Harresment Dowry Feud

Figure 02: Violence against Women in February ’17 ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation HRSS identifies the whole situation of a female in Bangladesh and documented the issues relating to the violation of women rights. The major subjects of violation against women were dowry killings, rape, sexual harassment and stalking, physical and mental abuse. According to the HRSS, the supplied graph illustrates about information of violence against women in February 2017 are detailed:

11

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human (UN General Assembly, 2006) 12 (General Assembly Resolution 48/104 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, 1993)

5 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Rape

• A total number of 42 females were raped. Among of them 35 were victims of single rape and 07 were subjected to gang rape and 20 were children below the age of 16 (including single and gang rape). Approximately 03 ware killed after being raped. On the other hand; around 07 incidents have been attempted to rape.

Killed in Family Feud

• In february 2017 About 19 women were killed in the family feud and 05 females have been injured. Out of them, 24 were an incidents of Family Feud.

Dowry Related Violence

• Approximately 19 incidents of dowry-related violence were reported in february 2017. About 09 were killed and 09 women were physically abused over dowry demands.

Sexual Haressment

• According to information collected by HRSS, a total of 16 girls and women were 2017 reportedly victims of sexual harassment in february 2017. Among them, 10 were - assaulted and 06 were stalked.

February

Acide Violence

• Almost one female became victims of acid violence and critically injured in February 2017. A majority of the acid attacks on women occurs due to the refusal of the proposal of love, marriage or sex advances or over land disputes or failure of affairs or not withdrawal case.

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Some impotant cases are cited: On February 02, 2017 a seven-year-old schoolgirl was raped allegedly by a college boy at Goshkhati village in Nazirpur upazila of the Pirojpur. The victim is a Class II student of a local primary school in the village. The girl's father alleged that Amitab Sarkar, 19, an HSC first year student of Goshkathi College, picked up his daughter when she was returning home from watching TV at a nearby house at night. He took her to a nearby bush and raped her.13

Rights MonthlyObserv Human 13 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/schoolgirl-raped-pirojpur-1355188 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 6 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

On February 05, 2017 a 55-year-old man was arrested on charge of attempting to rape a 14- year-old speech-impaired girl in Moheshpur village in Sadar upazila on Saturday. The arrestee is Joynal Hossain, son of late Tojib Uddin of the village. Police quoting locals said Joynal tried to violate the girl when none was present at home around 9:00pm.14

On February 07, 2017 Police have arrested the youth who slapped a girl student inside Akhaura Shaheed Smrity Degree College in the Brahmanbaria. The arrestee, Priyotom Ghosh alias Pritom Ghosh, 24, son of Rasmohon Ghosh of Ghoshpara at Radhanagar Mohalla in , was held from his house at midnight, said Mosharraf Hossain Tarafdar, officer-in-charge of Akhaura Police Station. He had been stalking the girl student for the last two years.15

On Feb 12, 2017 At least five Dakhil examinees, three of them girls, were injured in an attack by stalkers in the Berir Matha area under sadar upazila. The injured Rokonuzzaman, Tarek, Nilu Akhter, Sorna and Shumi, students of Nabiganj Islamia Dakhil Madrassah, received medical attention. All five injured later sat for the exam at Lakshmipur‟s Aliya Madrassah centre.16

On February 18, 2017 a woman was killed after rape in the Dinajpur. Abu Taleb, son of Toriqul Islam of Bajitpur village was arrested for raping the schoolgirl in Nawabganj upazila. Taleb allegedly raped the girl of Class X and threatened to upload the video clip in social media if she disclosed the incident. Girl's father filed a case with Nawabganj Upazila Police

Station accusing Taleb, Officer-in-Charge (OC) Ismail Hossain said.17

On February 18, 2017 a housewife was murdered after being raped in Hakimpur upazila. 2017 - Police arrested a man in this connection. The woman was identified as Roksana Begum Bely, 40, wife of Abdur Razzak of Nayanagar village. Police arrested Md Shariful Islam

February February Islam of Bilpara village. Police quoting witnesses said Shariful along with four criminals allegedly raped and strangled her to death when she went out of house to collect dried leaves.18

On February 19, 2017 A housewife was strangled to death for dowry in her in-laws' house in Atghoria upazila of the Pabna. The deceased, Akhi Khatun, 25, wife of Jayedul Islam and daughter of Abdul Halim Sheikh of the village, was often tortured by her in-laws for dowry, police said. Officer-in-Charge of Atghoria Police Station Md Faruk Hossain, quoting victim's

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation family members, said Jayedul often tortured Akhi for dowry since they got married two months ago. Jayedul and his family members beat up Akhi and strangled her to death, said Akhi's family members.19

14 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bid-rape-speech-impaired-girl-1356487 15 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/stalker-arrested-1356967 16 http://www.newagebd.net/article/9052/5-injured-as-stalkers-attack-dakhil-examinees 17 http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1084117/

18 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/woman-strangled-after-rape-girl-violated-1363477 Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 19 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/woman-killed-dowry-1363900

7 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

On February 20, 2017 The Jagannath University (JnU) authorities suspended a teacher following an allegation of sexual harassment of a female student of the university, says an education ministry press release. The authorities formed a probe committee following the education minister's order. Final steps will be taken after completion of the investigation.20

On February 21, 2017 a woman allegedly committed suicide after killing her child following a family feud at Gilatoli village in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj. The deceased were Mili Deb, 21, wife of Pintu Deb of the village, and her two-year-old son Pathik Deb. Md Sazedul Islam, officer-in-charge of Madhabpur Police Station, said Mili took her life from the ceiling of her room after strangling Pathik.21

On February 26, 2017 security force arrested a youth in a case for raping a schoolgirl in Taltali upazila of Barguna. Arrestee Al Amin, 30, of Taltali bazar area, was later produced before a court that sent him to jail, said OC Kamolesh Chandra Hawlader of Taltali Police Station. Police said parents of the tenth grader went to Barisal for an emergency work.22

2017

-

February

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

20 http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1085783/ছা

21 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/woman-kills-herself-after-strangling-son-1365124 Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 22 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/girl-gang-raped-barguna-youth-arrested-1367881 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 8 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Violent Attack

The attack against civilians is considered a serious violation of international humanitarian law,” the human rights. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security. So the state is obliged to protect the citizens from all kinds‟ of criminal attack to them. „The obligation of protection‟ requires the state to prevent violations of rights of citizens by third parties. This obligation also implies that State has to exercise due diligence to prevent, punish, investigate or redress the harm caused by acts of private persons or entities. "In spite of growing concern of criminal attack, the number of incidences is gradually increasing day by day. During the February 2017, Bangladesh has experienced a series of violent attacks by extremists. The victims have included besides atheists, secular bloggers, liberals and foreigners many Buddhists, Christians, and Hindus. HRSS try to detect and divulged all kinds of violent attack in February 2017.

Violent Attack • Injured (57) • Bullet Hit (17)

• Killed (36) Total Incidents (78)

2017

- February February

Figure 03: statistics of Violent Attacks in February ’17

The chart provides information regarding the violent attack on armless civilian. According to the data in Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) in February 2017, a total 78 incidents of violent attack have happened and 36 were killed in these attacks, 57 were seriously injured and around 17 persons have been bullet hit. Selected cases are as analyzed:

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation On Feb 01, 2017 masked miscreants hacked three activists of Bangladesh Chhatra League, the ruling Awami League-backed student organization, in Sylhet. The injured BCL activist Golam Rahman Chowdhury Rajon, Mabrur Rahman and Tanim Ahmad were admitted to Sylhet Osmani Medical College Hospital, families said. Witnesses said that four masked youths attacked Golam Rahman and his two friends at Tilagar Point in the city at about 9:30 pm when they were gossiping. The attackers hacked them with machetes.23

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 23 http://www.newagebd.net/article/8223/three-bcl-activists-hacked-in-sylhet

9 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

On February 03, 2017 a union level Jubo League leader was killed in a bomb and gun attack in Khulna's Phultala upazila. Deceased Jony Mollah, 30, was the vice-president of Sadar Union Jubo League, a pro-Awami League youth organization, in the upazila.24

On February 05, 2017 a local leader of Jatiyatabadi Jubo Dal was shot to death by miscreants at Amirpur in . The deceased was identified as Nazrul Islam, general secretary of Amirpur union unit of Jubo Dal and son of M Hashim.25

On February 07, 2017 Police recovered the body of a madrasa student from Bagan Madhyapara area in Trishal upazila of Mymensingh. The victim was identified as Shariful Islam Sharif, 17, and Aleem student at Bagan Islamia Alia Madrasa in the upazila. Locals found the throat-slit body of Sharif at a field near his house and informed the police.26

On February 07, 2017A Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) leader was shot in front of his house on Chakatai Amin Hazi Road in city. Tanjirul Haque, an executive member of BCL Chittagong city unit, was admitted to Chittagong Medical College Hospital. Some miscreants on four motorbikes shot Tanjirul in his right thigh before his house 1around 2:10 am, said Wahed Russell, joint general secretary of the unit.27

On February 08, 2017A former member of Kulkandi Union Parishad (UP) was shot dead by a gang of unidentified criminals in Islampur upazila of the Jamalpur. The deceased was identified as Samed Ali, 55, son of Shayeb Ali of Jigatola village of the UP in the upazila. Five armed criminals wearing masks shot Samed on the head around 11:30 pm at Charbarul village, leaving him dead on the spot, said Dween-e-Alam, officer-in-charge of Islampur

Police Station.28

2017 -

On Feb 15, 2017, a caretaker of a house was stabbed to death and three others were injured at

Narashinghapur Bangla Bazar of Ashulia, on the outskirts of the capital. The deceased Md February

Babul, 30, was a relative of the house owner and worked as the caretaker of the house. The injured are the house owner Md Mahbubur Rahman, his wife Asma Begum and teenage daughter Meherun.29

On February 16, 2017 a suspected Yaba trader was killed in a reported shootout between two groups of Yaba traders at Kata Pahar in Kalatoli area of Cox‟s Bazar. The deceased was identified as Mostaq Ahmed alias Haji Mafiz, 25. Police recovered 2800 pieces of Yaba pills,

firearms and bullets from the spot. Mafiz was wanted in several cases, said Bakhtier Uddin ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Chowdhury, officer-in-charge of Sadar Police Station.30

24 http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/wholecountry/2017/02/03/102381.html 25 http://bangla.samakal.net/2017/02/05/268106 26 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/madrasa-student-found-murdered-1357444 27 www.thedailystar.net/city/bcl-leader-shot-ctg-1357633 28 http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1077385 29

http://www.newagebd.net/article/9221/man-stabbed-to-death-at-ashulia Rights MonthlyObserv Human 30 http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/wholecountry/2017/02/17/104353.html Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 10 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Abduction

Abduction is a brutal violation of human rights. Abduction, Kidnapping, killing after the abduction, etc. are the common phenomena in Bangladesh. Nobody could confidently predict his safe return after going outside of his resident. The numbers of victims, according to HRSS report is increasing day by day. In February 2017, the occurrences of abduction increased all over the country. But there are provisions regarding kidnap & abduction in our Penal Code. According to section 362 of the Penal Code, 1860 a person is said to commit the offense of abduction when by force compels or by any deceitful means induces any other person to go from one place to another. Article 3 & 9 0f Universal declaration of human Rights declared that “Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person”. The graph provides information about the total abduction in February 2017.

Rescue After Total Abduction Abduction

(46) (52)

Killed After 2017 - Abduction (03)

February February Figure 04: Statistics of Abduction in February ’17

The supplied chart describes information about the abduction cases in February 2017 in Bangladesh, According to the human rights support Society (HRSS) information, a total of 52 people were abducted, among of them, 03 were killed after the abduction. On the other hand, nearly 46 people were rescued by law enforcement agencies after the abduction.

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Selected cases are as follows: On February 04, 2017 an indigenous man was abducted by a gang of unidentified criminals in remote Rowangchhari upazila of the bandarban. The victim is Mong Shwe Thui Marma, 63, karbari (chief) of Bagmara Vitor Para in the upazila and a ruling Awami League activist. Victim's wife Kyaoi Nu Prue Marma said a gang of four to five criminals picked up her husband at gunpoint from their house at Bagmara Vitor Para around 9:15pm.31

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 31 https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/details/article/247266

11 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

47

Male Female Children 3 2

Figure 05: Categorization of Abduction in February ’17

The given pie chart describes information about the abduction cases in February 2017 in Bangladesh, According to the human rights support Society (HRSS) information, a total of 52 people were abducted, among of them, 47 were male, and around 02 were female and nearly 03 were children. Selected cases are as follows:

On February 08, 2017 Police recovered the body of a seven-year-old schoolboy allegedly abducted for Tk 50,000 from a waterbody in Rupganj upazila of Narayanganj. The law enforcers recovered the mutilated body of Tajul Islam, student of Class I at Bhulta Govt Primary School, from Golakandail area around 1:00am and sent it to Narayanganj General

32 2017

Hospital for autopsy. -

On February 10, 2017 Members of RAB rescued two abductees and arrested three of a February kidnapping gang with arms in Jamalpur. The abductees Roni Miah, 24, and Abdul Al Forhad, 19, of Feni are employees of Swif Tex Sulkan, an AC servicing company in the capital's Gulsan. The arrestees are Anwar Hossain, 27, Badol Sheikh, 35, of Gaibandha and Sajjad Hossain, 28, of Jamalpur.33

On February 18, 2017 Eight days into her abduction, police rescued an indigenous schoolgirl from Chakoria area in Cox's Bazar. They also arrested the girl's stalker Md Sohel, 23, son of Md Jahangir of Bamu Bilchhari area in Lama Upazilla. Police said Sohel used to stalk the 13- year-old girl. Victim's father said Sohel along with his cohorts abducted the fifth grader of | Bangladesh on Report ation Choto Bamu Government Primary School from her house on February 10.34

32 www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1077313/ 33

http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1078777/অ Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 34 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/abducted-indigenous-girl-rescued-1363471 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 12 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Violence against Children

The Convention on the Rights of the Child” establishes standards for the protection of girls from physical and psychological violence at home, in the community and at the hands of State officials. The Convention uses both feminine and masculine pronouns in its provisions and it stresses in Article 2(1) that: “State parties shall respect and ensure the rights set forth in the present Convention to each child within their jurisdiction without discrimination of any kind, irrespective of the child‟s sex.” 35 Among the rights that States Parties must protect regardless of sex, are: the right to life; the right to be free from violence, mistreatment and exploitation while under the care of a parent or other guardian; the right to be free from harmful traditional practices; the right against sexual exploitation and abuse; and the right against torture. Bangladesh has ratified the Convention on the Rights of the Child (September 2, 1990). In spite of this existing legal framework, the violation of child rights is a common problem in Bangladesh. It occurs within the family, At home, and at schools, children may face sexual abuse or harassment. Girls in particular face the threat of child or early marriage. In schools, children may get beaten if they fail to perform or face humiliating and degrading punishments for minor errors or infractions. The incidents of violence against children, including killing, trafficking, abduction, and rape, have increased across the country in recent times amid slack. The rights of every child to a standard of living adequate for the child‟s physical, mental, spiritual, moral, and social development”.36

Number of

Incidents

2017 -

(19) February February

killed (11) Injured (11)

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Figure 06: Violence against children in February ’17

According to HRSS report, the graph presented information regarding the violence against children in February 2017, around 11 children’s were killed and almost 11 children’s have been critically injured in a total of nearly 19 incidents of Violence against Children.

35

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CRC.aspx 36 Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, Art,. 27.

13 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Some important cases are mentioned below; On Feb 02, 2017 a schoolboy was hacked to death by unidentified miscreants at village Sholabaria of Santhia upazila in Pabna. The victim was identified as Ovi, 13, a class VII student of Ataikula High School, and son of Imran Hossain Babu, a resident of the village.Abdur Razzak, officer-in-charge of Ataikula police station, said local people spotted the body of Ovi lying near his house and informed police.37

On February 18, 2017 a seventh grader was poisoned to death allegedly by a stalker at Fazilpur village in Jhenidah. Rima alias Ripna Khatun, 12, daughter of Ripon Hossain, was a student of Asannagar-Kullagacha Secondary School. Nazmul Hossain, 18, son of Alam Hossain of Mirzapur village, used to harass her, said Shukur Ali, Rima's grandfather. “We have complained to the school's headmaster couple of times but to no avail. Nazmul even threatened her with death.”38

A “transport worker” cutting the hair of 12-year-old Nazmul Haque with his right arm tied.

39 2017 Another person films the torture on the child. -

On February 21, 2017 a 12-year-old boy working as a bus helper suffered torture and February degrading treatment for several hours in Rajshahi's Puthia upazila at the hands of other staff who accused him of damaging wires of an onboard CD player. Despite voicing his innocence, Nazmul Haque of Baroipara village was beaten, tufts of his hair cut and face smeared in burned engine oil, all the while tied to a truck, said police and witnesses.40

On February 21, 2017 a woman allegedly committed suicide after killing her child following a family feud at Gilatoli village in Madhabpur upazila of Habiganj. The deceased were Mili Deb, 21, wife of Pintu Deb of the village, and her two-year-old son Pathik Deb. Md Sazedul

Islam, officer-in-charge of Madhabpur Police Station, said Mili took her life from the ceiling | Bangladesh on Report ation of her room after strangling Pathik.41

37 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=51909&cat=1/পা 38 http://www.thedailystar.net/city/12-year-old-girl-poisoned-death-1363411 39 photo source; the daily star 40

http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/12-yr-old-boy-tortured-over-trivial-matter-1365049 Rights MonthlyObserv Human 41 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/woman-kills-herself-after-strangling-son-1365124 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 14 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Political Violence

Political violence in Bangladesh is a banal phenomenon. The role and way of democratic politics have been subjected to a great question due to the considerable number of political classes among the parties as well as intra parties. At present, it has been considered a sign of an immature or even immoral political class.42After assuming state power by Awami League Government through 5th March 2014 by controversial election, political violence is still continued. But due to limited space for opposition parties, now political violence are mostly intra-factional clashes of ruling party over the issues of supremacy, tender, and possession of power, collecting subscription, grabbing land etc. The activist of opposite political parties is being tortured, killed by the activist of ruling parties in every corner of the country.

Injured (346) Killed (05) Bullet hit (07)

Political Violance Political

Number of Incidents (38)

2017 -

February February Figure 07: statistics of Political Violence in February ’17

The figure presents information about the political violence in February 2017. According to Human Rights Support Centre (HRSS) information, a total of 05 people were killed, almost 297 injured, around 25 people bullet hit due to political related issues. Most of the political violence occurred among the sub-organization of ruling party on the supremacy of power or tender.

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Selected cases are as follows: On Feb 02, 2017 a man was killed and 10 others were injured in a clash between two groups of Awami League at Mathpara in Kushtia Sadar upazila over establishing supremacy in the area. The deceased was identified as Idris Ali, 45, son of late Gafur of the same village. The injured were admitted to Kushtia General Hospital.43

On February 10, 2017A man was killed allegedly by his rivals over establishing supremacy in of Chittagong. The deceased Md Bahadur, 30, of ward-2 of Kolgaon union in

42 Islam and Suykens, Distribution of Political Violence in Bangladesh 2017, Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 43 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=51908&cat=1/ AL factional clash in Kushtia leaves one dead

15 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017 the upazila was the president of Awami Prajonma League of the union. He was rushed to Chittagong Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead, said the OC.44

On February 11, 2017A Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activist was killed and two others injured during a “factional clash” in Chittagong city. The deceased, Yasir Arafat, of , was an intermediate level student and activist of BCL Chittagong Government City College, said police.45

On February 12, 2017 a local leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) was killed allegedly by his rivals at Navaron Bazar in Sharsha upazila of Jessore, reportedly over establishing supremacy in the area. The deceased, Biplob Hossain, 18, son of Nazrul Islam of Jirengachha village in the upazila, was the vice-president of Ulasi union unit of BCL.Biplob's father filed a murder case against 14 people, the OC added.46

On February 07, 2017 A Rajshahi University (RU) student was beaten up allegedly by Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) RU unit activists as he refused to join a programme of BCL on the campus. Shilu Hossain, a masters' student of mass communication and journalism and resident of Shaheed Shamsuzzoha Hall, claimed that Zoology masters' student Borzahan Ali, general secretary of the hall unit, with some others went to his room to take him to the programme but slapped and punched him as he refused.47

On February 12, 2017 Two Bangladesh Chhatra League factions clashed at Chittagong University over “sharing of tender money”, injuring five activists, said CU BCL insiders.

Inspector Mokaddesh Mia, in-charge of CU police outpost, said they seized several machetes,

a sack of brickbats, and iron rods from Shahjalal Hall. However, none was detained, he said. 2017 Jewel of the finance department, Abdul Khalek Rony of economics, Shamim of political - science, Al-Amin of anthropology and Kawsar Mia of Bangla took treatment at the CU 48

medical centre, said doctors and campus sources. February

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

44 http://www.thedailystar.net/city/man-killed-rivals-ctg-1359274 45 http://www.ittefaq.com.bd/wholecountry/2017/02/11/103440.html 46 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bcl-leader-beaten-dead-rivals-1360207 47

http://www.thedailystar.net/city/ru-bcl-men-beat-student-1358056 Rights MonthlyObserv Human 48 https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/details/article/248994 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 16 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Recovery of Dead Body

Security of life is the foremost right of all others human rights. In Bangladesh, due to worsening law and order situation recovery of the dead body from different places of the country has been regular incidents. Most of the killers of these incidents are not identified; on the other hand, sometimes dead bodies‟ identities are not found. However, According to the information of human rights support Society (HRSS) during the February 2017, a total of 62 dead bodies were found in different areas of the country, among them 28bodies were male and 08 bodies were female and 26 bodies were unidentified. The presented the pie chart illustrates information about the recovery dead body.

15

26 Male Female

9 Unidentified

2017 - Figure 08: Recovery of Dead Body in February ’17

February February The presented chart illustrates information about the recovery dead body. According to information collected by HRSS in February 2017, a total of 50 dead bodies were found in the different area of the country, among of them 09 bodies were male and 08 bodies were female and 15 bodies were unidentified. Selected cases are as follows:

On February 01, 2017 Police recovered the body of an unidentified woman, aged around 20, in a sack from Patenga embankment area in Chittagong city. Police suspected that the woman might have been strangled. The body was sent to Chittagong Medical College

Hospital morgue for autopsy.49 ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

On February 01, 2017A man was found dead in the old court building premises in Patuakhali town. The deceased was Narayan Karmaker, 50, owner of Monisha Swarna Alonkar at Natun Bazar. Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Patukhali Police Station Tariqul Islam said several injury marks were found on Narayan's face.50

49

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human http://www.thedailystar.net/city/ctg-woman-found-dead-sack-1354030 50 http://www.prothom-alo.com/bangladesh/article/1073167

17 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

On February 03, 2017 Police recovered the body of an unidentified girl with burn injuries inside a forest on Soling Road in Langrabazar of Tangail's Ghatail upazila. Police suspect that the girl was raped and then burnt. The body was sent to Tangail General Hospital morgue for autopsy.51

On February 07, 2017 a youth was found dead on the banks of the Titas river in Brahmanbaria town. His body bore several bullet marks, said police. According to the law enforcers, the youth, Al Amin, 28, was a drug dealer. He was killed in a “gunfight between two rival groups of drug peddlers”. His wife, Tanzina Akter, however, rejected the claim and accused the police of killing Al Amin, son of late Zillur Rahman.52

On February 14, 2017 a married couple was found dead in their house in Shreepur of Ashulia. The deceased were Rana Mia, 28, a day labourer, and his wife Shekha Akter, 20, of Meherpur. Rana was found hanging from the ceiling while Shikha's body was on the floor in their rented house, said Rakibul Islam, a sub-inspector of Ashulia Police Station.53

On February 16, 2017 A Border Guard Bangladesh jawan was found dead at his home in Birampur upazila of the Dinajpur. The deceased, Al Amin, 26, was posted to BGB-47 Battalion in Kushtia. Family members said Al Amin went to his room after lunch. As he was not responding to the calls of his family members, they broke into his room and found him hanging from the ceiling.54

On February 22, 2017 a schoolteacher was found dead in Ukilpara area of Netrakona town.

Saifullah Jewel, 40, was an assistant teacher of Krishna Gobinda High School in Netrakona

Sadar. The victim's wife Asma Khanam found the body hanging from the ceiling of their 2017 house in the evening and informed police, said Sub-Inspector Shah Alam of Netrakona Model -

Police Station.55

February

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51 http://www.thedailystar.net/city/teenager-found-dead-ghatail-1355692 52 http://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/bullet-hit-body-youth-found-1357558 53 http://www.thedailystar.net/city/couple-found-dead-savar-1361260

54 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/bgb-jawan-found-dead-dinajpur-1362391 Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 55 http://www.thedailystar.net/country/schoolteacher-found-dead-1365202 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 18 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Border Killing

In February 2017, According to human rights support Society report state that the border line between Bangladesh and India is the worst borderline. Indiscriminate activities of Indian Border Security Force (BSF) have turned Indo-Bangla borderline as one of the dangerous and bloodiest border lines. Every state of the civilized world is very serious about maintaining the standard of human rights. But BSF has been violating human rights with freedom in the border area by killing, torturing, abducting, beating, stoning etc.; by doing so they gradually are degrading the friendly relation between Bangladesh and India. BSF disregards human rights in the border area and they have shown utmost cruelty in this regard. Members of the BSF also illegally enter Bangladesh territory and attack people residing along the border, shoot and kidnap Bangladeshis. However, we have frequently observed that India has been violating treaties, shooting at anyone seen near the border, which is a pure violation of the international law and human rights.

7

6

5

4 7

3

2 2017

- 3 1 2 1 1 0 February February Killed by BSF Injured By Arrested By Killed by BGP Injured By BSF BSF BGP

Figure 10: Statistics of Border violence

The given chart gives data on the border dispute. According to HRSS in February 2017, almost one Bangladeshis citizen was killed, roughly 07 injured and almost 03 arrested by BSF, on the other hand, one was killed, and 07 injured Bangladeshis citizen were injured, by BGB. ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Some important cases are mentioned below; On Feb 09, 2017 The Indian Border Security Force shot a Bangladesh national dead and injured another at Dharmapur border under Roumari upazila in Kurigram. The deceased was identified as Tulu Mia, 60, of village Kawar Char, and the injured was Sefat Ali, 35, of village Chat Karaibari in the upazila.56

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 56 http://www.newagebd.net/article/8871/bsf-shoots-dead-bangladeshi-in-kurigram-border

19 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

On February 10, 2017 Members of Indian Border Security Force shot dead a Bangladeshi cattle trader and injured another near Datbhanga border in Kurigram's Roumari upazila. The deceased is Tulu Mia, 60, son of late Asmat Ali of Kauarchar village in the upazila. The injured is Shifat Hossain, 35, son of Mozahar Ali of Dharmapur village in the same upazila.57

On February 15, 2017 A Bangladeshi national was picked up by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) from Burimari border in Patgram upazila of the Lalmonirhat. A patrol team of BSF from Changrabandha camp picked up Mokhlesur Rahman, 38, son of Afzal Hossain of Burimari village, while he was moving in the border area in the morning, said sources of Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB). In another incident, BSF men tortured and seriously injured a Bangladeshi man while he was returning to Bangladesh from India at Dahagram border in Patgram. The victim is Murali Mohan Gupta, 60, son of late Debendra Nath Gupta of Savar village under Nandail upazila in Mymensingh.58

2017

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February

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57

https://www.dailyjanakantha.com/details/article/248537/ Rights MonthlyObserv Human 58 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=53712&cat=9/ Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 20 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Attack on Journalist

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) contains, in Article 19, the first and most widely recognized statement of the right to freedom of expression: “Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.59 The UN‟s Human Rights Committee, the body that is mandated to monitor states‟ implementation of the ICCPR, has clarified that law which criminalizes the expression of opinions about historical facts are incompatible with the obligations on states to respect freedom of expression and opinion. As a state party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), all of Bangladesh‟s branches of governmental authority, including the judiciary, must respect and protect freedom of expression. Moreover, in Bangladesh, attacks on journalists are very frequent incidents; assaulting, threatening and disrupting in their professional duties have become very mundane matter. Freedom of expression was seen to limited in every aspect in Bangladesh February 2017. The government applied indirect pressure to coerce to different news agencies constantly.

The journalists and the media constant were to be victims of attacks, physically assaulted, threaten and intimidated from different powerful quarters, especially from the government and the ruling party leaders and activists. In February , According to HRSS’s documented

statistics, around 03 were injured. Selected cases are as described here:

2017

- February February

Name: Abdul Hakim Shimul

On Feb 02, 2017 a journalist of Samakal died, hours after he along with two others received bullet wounds during an intra-party clash of ruling Awami League at Shahzadpur upazila in

Sirajganj. Abdul Hakim Shimul, the daily‟s Shahzadpur correspondent, died on way to a ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Dhaka hospital from Shaheed Ziaur Rahman Medical College Hospital in Bogra, said Rezaul Islam, officer-in-charge of Shahzadpur police station. Three people including Abdul Hakim, who were on duty on the spot, were bullet-wounded while 12 others injured in a clash between two rival groups of the ruling party at Monirampur of Shazadpur, he said.60

59 UDHR-1948, article 19 Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human 60 http://www.newagebd.net/article/8354/journalist-killed-in-intra-al-clash-in-sirajganj#sthash.MAsbX3Pw.dpuf

21 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Public Lynching

Lynching is the practice of murder by extrajudicial action. It is an unlawful punishment by an informal group. It is most often used to characterize informal public executions by a mob, often by hanging, in order to punish an alleged transgressor or to intimidate a minority group. It is an extreme form of informal group social group. In Bangladesh due to lack of respect for law, distrust of the police and instability in the country people are taking the law into their own hands, fearing that they will not get justice any other way. As a result, the incident of public lynching became a banal matter. HRSS believes that everyone has right to be considered as innocent until proven guilty by the court.

12 11 killed

Injured

2017 -

Figure 12: Statistics of Public Lynching in February ’17 February The supplied chart describes information about the public lynching cases in February ’2017. According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) information, one people have been injured; nearly 11 people were killed and almost 12 injured in a total of 14 incidents of the public lynching. Some important cases are given below:

On February 13, 2017 a fisherman was beaten to death by rivals in the Kalabodr River in Mehendiganj upazila of Barial. Alom Rari and Salam Rari hit Khon Mia, 22, son of Bacchu

Mia of Sreepur village in Mehendiganj upazila, with a stick following an altercation.61 ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation On Feb 14, 2017 a suspected thief was beaten to death by locals in Buchchamari area of Dhamrai, on the outskirts of the capital. The identity of the victim, 35, could not be known immediately. Police said, local people saw the victim walking around near a shop at 12:45am and suspected him as a thief. Later, locals chased him and started to beat him severely, he added. The man was killed on the spot, he said.62

61 http://www.thedailystar.net/city/fisherman-beaten-death-barisal-1360759

62 Rights MonthlyObserv Human http://bangla.samakal.net/2017/02/15/270394

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 22 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

At a glance Human Right Situation of Bangladesh (February ’17)

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15 20 10 11 11 5 9 3

0

2017

- February February

Figure 13: Human Right Situation of Bangladesh at a Glance in February 2017

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Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human

23 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Conclusion

In summary, it is observed that the human rights situation in Bangladesh was shocking during the February 2017. This is because of the failure of the public administration to protect the life and property of the common people. The political turmoil in Bangladesh threatens the freedom of expression, assembly and of association and a huge number of human rights violations are taking places, such as extrajudicial killings, torture, targeted killings, and arbitrary arrests among others. Domestic violence and rape have become significant features of the deterioration of human rights conditions in February 2017. Although UDHR and Constitution of Bangladesh (Article no. 27-44) strictly defend all forms of human rights, it‟s a matter of deep sorrow that they have been denied by most incumbents of the Government.

The members of the opposition political parties mainly Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and Jamaat-e-Islami, dissenting voices, and the young people make up the majority of victims of human rights violations. The existing government came to the power through controversial elections in January 2014 which were boycotted by all major political parties, and as a result, political confrontations have increased. The government has become more repressive in order to keep power at any cost. The rule of law is non-existent. Therefore there is a huge political vacuum which allows for political extremism to grow. At the same time, the government wants to project itself as the only custodian of “secularism” and therefore seeks to project the mainstream political opponents and the anti-government youth as “extremist” so that it can use deadly actions to silence them.

It might be estimated that if human rights situation gradually deteriorates as it happens during 2017 - the year 2017 then the whole country would be undisciplined, anarchic, unstable as well as

disordered. Upon such alarming circumstances, HRSS calls to every conscious citizen and February non-state actors to be more vocal against these sorts of deplorable human rights situations in the country. HRSS also urges the Government to be more responsive in protecting the life and property of the general people and thereby fulfill their constitutional commitment.

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 24 Monthly Human Rights Report –February, 2017

Recommendation

The government must ensure the accountability and transparency of the members of law enforcement agencies and needs to form a special independent agency or judiciary investigation team to inquiry every incident of extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance and abduction.

Ensure fair and neutral justice to the Minorities from the Judiciary and Administrative Authority. Reconstruct all damaged temples and places of worship that were the subject matter of violence and loathing, and bring to an end any prospect attacks on places of worships irrespective of trust and religion.

Violence against women is both structural and cultural. So, actions should be taken to create a culture of violence at all spheres, and appropriate measures need to be taken to ensure the security of women, children, and minority group members. Equity must be ensured in every sphere of social, economic and political life.

The government should be flexible in the matter of freedom of expression. All types of print and electronic media should enjoy fearless opportunity to broadcast their news even though it goes against the government. The government has to be more tolerant of the opposition and their ideas.

Arbitrary arrests of persons with different political ideologies must be stopped. The

government should immediately retract the repressive special powers act of 1974 and the 2017

- Information and Communication Technology Act 2006 (Amended 2013).

The Bangladesh government should establish an independent and impartial commission February February of inquiry into serious violations of international human rights law by the BSF. The government should invite both Indian and Bangladeshi nationals to submit evidence and bring complaints to such a commission. The inquiry should be time bound and transparent and should have the ability to provide protection to witnesses.

Meetings and assemblies should not be obstructed. The government should allow oppositions, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to observe their

processions, seminars and public meetings. ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

Monthly Human Rights Rights MonthlyObserv Human

25 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org