Monthly Human Rights Observation Report on

December, 2018

HUMAN RIGHTS SUPPORT SOCIETY

(HRSS)

www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

EXECUTIVE SUMMERY

Human Right Support Society is published this report based on incidents of human rights violation and atrocities based on information received through our district representatives and based on twelve prominent national dailies, has published bimonthly Human Rights report. In Dec ’18, the freedom of expression was denied and the constitutionally guaranteed rights of freedom of assembly and association witnessed a sharp decline especially during the election campaign and the Election Day. Restrictions on the political parties and civil societies, impunity to the abusive security forces, extrajudicial killing, enforced disappearance, abduction, violence against women, indiscriminate arrest and assault on opposition political leaders and activists, coercion and extortion are exposed a very glooming scenario of the overall human rights situation in Bangladesh. The situation reached such awful state that even the common people feel insecure everywhere.

According to the sources of HRSS, in December, at least 11 people were extra-judicially killed; a total of 25 people have been forcefully disappeared by the members of law enforcement agencies, later most of them shown arrest. Moreover, the HRSS report finds that, a total of 22 females have been raped. Of them, 07 were identified as an adult and alarmingly 15 were children under the age of 16. A total of 15 women were killed in the family feud, 03 females were killed due to dowry related violence. It has also been reported that a total of 23 were abducted in different areas of the country, among them approximately 10 were male, 03 females, 10 children, and 15 were killed after the abduction. Unexpectedly at least 50 (01 dec-09 Jan) people were killed in 11th national

election related violence.

HRSS noticed that in Dec, about 08 violent incidences were committed against the children, 03 2018 - lost their life and 05 were critically injured. As a result of violent attacks, a total of 32 unarmed

Dec Dec civilians were victimized, of them, 05 were killed, 10 seriously injured, and roughly 02 were hit a bullet. HRSS also estimated a total of 03 incidences of attack on minority throughout the country. On the other hand, Bangladeshi citizens have been the victims of suspected killings, subjected to torture, and other forms of inhumane and degrading treatments. A total of nearly 04 incidents have been reported resulting one loss of life of Bangladeshi citizens and 05 have been arrested by the Indian Border Security Force (BSF). This shocking condition of human rights in Bangladesh motivates HRSS to work hard to raise awareness both home and abroad.

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

1 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Table of Contents SL Topics Page Number

01 Executive Summary 01

02 Table of Contents 02

03 Acronyms 03

04 Election Violence in Bangladesh 04

05 Extra-Judicial Killing 07

06 Violence Against Women 09

07 Attack on Journalists 12

08 Attack on Minority 15

09 Violence Against Children 16

10 Violent Attack 17

11 Abduction 19

12 Recovery of Dead Body 21

13 Border Killings 23

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- Dec Dec

14 Torture by Law Enforcement Agency 24

15 The Situation of Freedom of Expression 26

16 Monthly Human Rights Report at a Glance 28

17 Conclusion 29

18 Recommendation 30 ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly

Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 2 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Acronyms BNHRC : National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh BAL : Bangladesh Awami League BCL : Bangladesh Chhatra League BNP : Bangladesh Nationalist Party BJC : Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Chhatra Dal BJI : Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami BICS : Bangladesh Islami Chhatra Shibir CAT : Convention against Torture & other cruel, inhuman or degradation treatment.... CAT : Committee against Torture CSW : Committee on the Status of Women CHR : Committee on Human Rights CERD : Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination CRC : Committee on the Rights of the Child CEDAW : Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women CEDAW : Committee on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women CFNHRI : Commonwealth Forum of National Human Rights Institutions CRC : Convention on the Rights of the Child DB : Detective Branch DMC : Dhaka Medical College DU : Dhaka University GA : General Assembly GOB : Government of Bangladesh HRSS : Human Rights Support Society HRC : Human Rights committee HRC : Human Rights Council

2018 ICCPR : International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights - ICESCR : International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights Dec Dec ICJ : International Court Of Justice NGO : Non-Governmental Organization OHCHR : Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights SR : Special rapporteur SP : Special Procedures RMG : Ready Made Garments RAB : Rapid Action Battalion UN : United Nations

UDHR : Universal Declaration of Human Rights ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation UNCHR : United Nations Commission on Human Rights UNHCHR : United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights UPR : Universal Periodic Review UNO : Upazilla Nirbahi Officer UP : Union Parishad VAW : Violence against Women VAC : Violence against Children

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3 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Election Violence in Bangladesh In a democratic process, the election is the most common and acceptable way of transformation of power from one person to another and one party to another party. In Bangladesh, the 11th national election was held on 30 December‟18 since becoming independent in 1971. The debatable results ended in an extensive victory for the ruling Awami League party led by Sheikh Hasina. The party‟s coalition secured 288 out of a possible 300 seats in Parliament, apparently winning more than 90 percent of the popular vote. The coalition of the main opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and its associates bodies, won only 08 seats. The results confirmed a third term in office for the Awami League. But regretfully, the members of the civil society of Bangladesh, as well as, the non-state actors, termed these elections as „incredible‟ with the interference of the government. It has well been reported that this election was greatly influenced by the activists, leaders, and workers as well as the representatives of the ruling party. The partisan government is making a mockery of the electoral process, and turning the country into an authoritarian state. The build-up to the poll was marred by violence and accusations of a crackdown against the opposition. Some 600,000 security personnel were deployed to prevent clashes. The authorities ordered high-speed internet to be shut down until after the vote to prevent the spread of "rumors" that might spark unrest. More than 100 million people were eligible to vote but reports suggest turnout has been low. During the pre-election campaign and Election Day in Bangladesh, At least 50 people were killed in election-related violence, many others were injured, and there were widespread allegations of voter intimidation.

Election Violence In Bangladesh

December, 2018 2018

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Dec Dec

Killed Total Killed Number in Extra- Enforce Total in inter Total Bullet Total of intra judicially party Diappe Injured Hit Arrested Killed party Killed by Incidents clashes - (3,755) (72) (3802) (50) clashe LEA (07) arances (1186) (40) s (03) (25)

Figure 01: Statistics of Violence Election 20181 | Bangladesh on Report ation

Observ Rights Human Monthly 1 HRSS’s Research and Investigation Desk Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 4 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Killed in Killed in Killed Total Before Election after Killed Election Day Election (30) (13) (07) (50)

Figure 02: Total Death in 11th National Election 2018

The given chart provides information about the turbulent figure of 11th National Election Violence in Bangladesh, December 2018. A total of 50 People were killed in electoral violence from 01 Dec’18 - 10 Jan’19, according to a fact-finding report by Human Rights Support Society (HRSS). Of the 22 AL men, 03 were killed in intra-party clashes; while the other 18 were killed in clashes with opponents and one was shot to death by LEA. while 06 with BNP or its associate bodies and one each with Jatiya Party, Liberal Democratic Party, UPDF, An Ansar man and 12 general people are also among the victims. Besides, 06 activists of BNP-led alliance were victims of extra-judicial killings by government agencies (Torture to Death, Crossfire, and Shot to death). Moreover, 17 BNP men and 08 Jamaat activists became victims of enforced disappearances. It also found 1186 incidents of pre-election and Election Day’s violence during this period, in which 2,745 activists of opposition alliances, 579 of the AL-led alliance, 86 Jatiya Party and 245 common people and supporters of independent candidates were injured across the country, bringing the total to 3,755. Apart from them, 28 police personnel and 35 journalists sustained injuries in electoral violence. Meanwhile, 2,724 BNP activists, 559 Jamaat activists and 24 AL activists 495 others were arrested during this time. On the other hand, opposition

2018 candidates were attacked and their houses, party office, and cars vandalized in different -

districts. Dec Dec Some important cases are given below:2

In Cumilla, BNP activist Bacchu Mia, 45, was killed in a clash between BNP and AL men at Muragaon Govt Primary School center in Nangolkot, the victim is Muzibur Rahman, 35, an activist of the Liberal Democratic Party. He was killed after police opened fire following a clash between rival groups at Paschim Bellashor Govt Primary School center in Chandina. In Chattogram, Jatiya Party supporter Ahmed Kabir, 35, was shot dead during a triangular clash

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation between police, local AL men and BNP-JP activists when ruling party supporters tried to capture Boraitoli Govt Primary School center in the dead of the night. In , at least two people were killed in election violence. The victims Meraj Uddin, 22, of Mohonpur and Md Modasser, 45, of were Awami League activists. They were beaten to death by BNP activists during a clash with AL men, said Abdur Razzak Khan, additional superintendent of Police of Rajshahi.

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly 2 HRSS Investigation Desk and national daily

5 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

In Brahmanbaria, a mason was killed allegedly in police firing during a clash between AL and BNP supporters at Rajghar Govt Primary School center under Sadar upazila. Victim Israil Mia, 20, of Rajghar village in the upazilla, died on the spot. In Cox's Bazar, a Chhatra League activist died in a clash with BNP men at Rajakhali Matobbor Para Govt Primary School in Pekua upazila. The dead is Md Abdullah, 23. In Rangamati, Jubo League Ghagra unit General Secretary Basir Uddin was killed in an attack by BNP activists at Rangepara around 8:00 am on his way to vote, locals said. Shah Alam, president of Rangamati BNP, denied the allegation. In Bogura, Jubo League activist Azizul Haque died during a clash with BNP men in front of Bogail Govt Primary School around 11:30 am. In Kahalu police OC Shawkat Kabir said the clash ensued as AL men obstructed a procession of BNP men near the center. The BNP men hit Azizul on his head with a sharp weapon leaving him injured. The 28-year-old died of his injuries while being taken to the hospital. In Sylhet, a local Chhatra Dal leader died after being shot allegedly by police at Azizpur Govt Primary School center in Balaganj upazila around 3:45 pm. Victim Sayem Ahmed Sohel, 24, was general secretary of upazila Chhatra Dal. In Noakhali, an Ansar man was killed allegedly by BNP-Jamaat activists in Tulatuli Govt Primary School center in Begumganj. Victim Nur Nabi got shot as they opened fire, the UNO said. In Lalmonirhat, a ward-level BNP leader of Kholaighat village died in a stampede as a chase and counter-chase between the supporters of AL and BNP took place in front of Paglahat Govt

Primary School around 10:00 am. Tozammel Haque, 63, was declared dead at Rangpur Medical

College Hospital, police said.

2018 -

In Gazipur's Harinal, 44-year-old Liakat Hossain, former vice-president of Kazi Azimuddin

Dec Dec

College unit of Chhatra League, died while two others suffered injuries in polls violence. In Jashore, a BNP polling agent died hours after he was beaten allegedly by AL activists at Pathalia Primary School in Abhaynagar upazila around 8:30 am. Shamsur Rahman Mollah, 63, was a resident of Barni village in the upazila. In Dhaka, BNP candidate for Dhaka-4 Salahuddin Ahmed came under attack when he went to visit a center at Shyampur Model School and College around 9:15 am, according to witnesses

and police. Clashes were also reported from Sherpur, Satkhira, Faridpur, Chandpur, ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Mymensingh, Feni, Laxmipur and Habiganj during Election Day.

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly

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Extra Judicial Killing

Extrajudicial killing is an illegal 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.3 Bangladesh 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 RAB4 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. 5 The 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.

2

1

Crossfire

Touture to Death 2018

- 8 Custodial Death Dec Dec

Figure 3: Scenario of Encounter killing in December’18 The given pie chart provides information about the extrajudicial killing scenario in December

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation 2018: According to Human Rights Support Society, So-called shootouts in the ongoing anti- narcotics drive keep claiming lives with the number of deaths standing at 11 in Dec, taking the tally of those killed in such incidents to 10. Out of them, 08 people were killed in the name of ‘crossfire/ gunfights’, one torture to death and 02 died in the custody. The law enforcement agency was charged for their participation and involvement in the various human rights violations committed against the civilian people including political killing. Charges of murder,

3http://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/constitutional-law. 4

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly http://www.lawteacher.net 5 http://www.lawteacher.net/free-law-essays/constitutional-law.

7 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018 frustrated and attempted murder, torture and physical injuries, illegal arrest and detention and other civil and political rights violations were filed by the HRSS, including families of those who were extra-judicially killed during the incidents, as well as the victims who were illegally arrested and detained by the security forces. Some important cases are mentioned below:

On Dec 01, 2018 a listed drug peddler was killed in a so called gunfight with police in Shaplapur Puranpara area of Teknaf upazila in Cox's Bazar. The deceased was identified as Habib Ullah Habib, 35, son of Mohammad Hossain and also listed in the home ministry's drug peddlers' list. Pradip Kumar Das, officer-in-charge of Teknaf police said police earlier arrested Habib.6

On Dec 02, 2018 a suspected drug peddler was killed in a reported gunfight with members of Rapid Action Battalion in Shahidnagar area of Narayanganj Sadar. The deceased was identified as Hasan, 38, accused in more than 20 cases.7

On Dec 07, 2018 two accused drug dealers were killed in what police said was a gunfight between law enforcers and armed gangs in Chuadanga's , Chuadanga. Moshiur Rahman Dhulo, 50, of the upazila's Charulia village and Jhantu Rahman, 38, of Iswarchandrapur village were accused in multiple cases, including murder and drug peddling, said Sukumar Biswas, officer-in-charge of Damurhuda Model Police Station.8

On Dec 12, 2018BNP Senior Joint Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi claimed a city BNP leader had died during a raid by plainclothes men early yesterday in the capital's Vatara area. He made the claim at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan office. The BNP leader alleged

that plainclothes men raided the house of BNP's senior vice president Kafil Uddin in Solmaid

area at Vatara thana ward-40. “In fear, Kafil took shelter on the building's rooftop. At that time, 2018 the plainclothes men also tortured his son. Later, they caught Kafil and pushed him off from the -

9 Dec Dec rooftop.” Kafil was taken to a local hospital where doctors declared him dead.

On Dec 14, 2018 a suspected drug peddler was killed and five cops were injured in a reported gunfight at Moulavipara of Teknaf Sadar in Cox‟s Bazar early Friday. Deceased was identified as Yusuf Jalal Bahadur, 32, son of Khalilur Rahman of Choto Habirpara of Teknaf Sadar. Teknaf Police Station officer-in-charge Pradip Kumar Das said they arrested listed drug peddler Yusuf from his residence on 13 Dec.10

On 18 Dec, 2018 two suspected criminals were killed in a so called gunfight with members of ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) at Ballalbari in Sadar upazila, Munshiganj. The deceased were identified as Khasru Miah alias Lengra Khasru, 35, son of Suruj Mia, and Sumon alias Kana Sumon, 35, son of Abul Quasem in the upazila.11

6 https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/article/1567669/ 7 http://www.newagebd.net/article/57709/crime-suspect-killed-in-narayanganj-gunfight 8 https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/article/1568733/ 9 https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/bnp-leader-killed-raid-1673017 10 http://www.newagebd.net/article/58895/one-killed-five-cops-injured-in-teknaf-gunfight 11 Observ Rights Human Monthly http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=150343&cat=9/-- Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 8 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

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. 12In 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”.13Violence 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 Dec 2018. HRSS provides the following data has been taken from 12 prominent daily newspapers in Bangladesh.

15 22 Rape

Sexual Harasment

3 Killed for Dowry

2018 -

6 Killed in Family Feud Dec Dec

Figure 4: Violence against Women in Dec ’18

HRSS report catches that, a total of 22 females have been raped. Of them, 07 were identified as an adult, and alarmingly 15 were children under the age of 16, about 17 were victims of single ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation rape and nearly 05 were subjected to gang rape, Approximately 02 ware killed after being raped and around 04 incidents have been attempted to rape.

Almost 17 incidents of family feud related violence were reported in December ’18 out of them, around 15 women were killed in the family feud and almost 02 females have been injured. Approximately 05 incidents of dowry-related violence were reported. Out of them, about of 03 females were killed due to dowry related violence and 02 injured. A total of 06 girls and women

12 (UN General Assembly, 2006) Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly 13 (General Assembly Resolution 48/104 Declaration on the Elimination of Violence against Women, 1993)

9 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018 were reportedly victims of sexual harassment in Dec. Among them, 04 were assaulted and 02 were stalked.

Some of the cases are detailed below: On 03 Dec 2018 In Mothbaria, in a primary school, a female student was sexually harassed by Head-Master and he was charged with a Case. On behalf of Students, a Parent filed a Case against the Head-Master Emadul Haq. Recently finished PSC Students and four primary Students were taught in private at night in School's different Classes. Last 25 Nov, Night, that teacher called a student alone in a library in pretext of good numbers 14 tried to molest her.

On 01 Dec, 2018 In Pabna's Iswardi, for Dowry and family quarrel, Zakia Sultana, a housewife was murdered by his spouse and in-laws with electric shock. The murdered house-wife was Rezaul Karim Rintu's Spouse and Abed Ali Pramanik, daughter of Shimul village. As per dead house-wife's family, 4 years ago, Iswardi, Guriadadpur Village Azmal Hossain's Son, Rezaul Karim Rintu married with dowry of 2 Lacs Taka. But dowry greedy Rintu and his family members tortured her for dowry.15

On 01 Dec, 2018 A four and half years child was attempted to rape and Mominul Islam Rajib (25) a, house-tutor was arrested by police. Wednesday 28 Nov. Night, City's Banikpara Area residence he was arrested. He was tenant of local resident Monir Hossain's Son and Brahmanbaria Govt. Honours 3rd Year Student. Before this, the student's mother Sabina Yasmin as a plaintiff filed a Case under Women and Children Torture Act. As per Case, City's North Morael Area's Banikpara's Monir Mia's Son, Rajib was appointed as a Tutor for teaching the child. After that, he used to come every day for Tutoring. Last 19 Nov. Student's father and mother's absence Rajib tried to open up child's trouser and upper outfit for attempting rape and

touched the child's sensitive body parts.16 2018

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On 03 Dec 2018 In Gopalganj's Moksudpur, for Dowry, a house-wife was cholked to murdered, Dec Dec alleged. The incident took place, Upazilla's Koli Village. The murdered housewife was next Goalgram Village's Monindra Haldar's Daughter and Jolir Par Degree Colleges's 1st Year Student Mitali (24). Family alleged that, Moksudpur Upazillas Koligram Village Biswanath Baroi's Son, Taposh Baroi was married to next Village's eight months ago to Monindra Haldar's Daughter Mitali Halder. After the marriage, her spouse and in-laws was pressing her for dowry. For this, there was always a quarrel between husband and wife.17

On Dec 01, 2018A Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) activist of Jahangirnagar University ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation allegedly beat up a female tea stall owner on the campus over payment of dues. The incident took place in front of Mir Mosharraf Hossain Hall. The accused activist, Syed Layeb Ali, is a master's student of philosophy and resident of the hall. He is loyal to JU BCL general secretary

14 http://www.samakal.com/todays-print-edition/tp-lokaloy/article/1812424/ 15 www.kalerkantho.com/online/country-news/2018/12/01/709713 16 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=147449&cat=9 17 Observ Rights Human Monthly http://www.dailynayadiganta.com/bangla-diganta/369248/- Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 10 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

SM Abu Sufian Chanchal. Tea stall owner Ayesha Khatun Rubi, 35, said, “I just asked him to pay his dues. But he hurled abuse at me and beat me up with a bamboo stick.”18

On Dec 02, 2018Locals ransacked a and the house of its teacher in Gazipur, accusing him of raping a boy. Since the incident, the teacher along with his family members has been on the run said the protesters. The man alone used to run the tin-roofed madrasa, consisting of two rooms, in Sreepur area. He used to give lessons to around 15 to 20 students, according to locals. On Saturday evening, he took the nine-year-old to one of the rooms and raped him, said Saman Uddin Sadiq, a resident of the area.19

On Dec 06, 2018An indigenous woman was raped allegedly by a local drug addict in a jungle at Telkhola village of Ukhia upazila, Cox's Bazar. The 19-year-old victim is the wife of a day labourer of the area. She gave birth to a baby girl two months back. When she went to the nearby jungle to collect firewood, Shamsul Alam, 25, son of Md Usman, raped her.20

On Dec 22 2018: A mentally challenged widow has allegedly been gang raped by miscreants at Kharinchi village of , Jashore. A case was filed against four local youths with Manirampur Police Station over the incident that took place on Wednesday evening. According to the case statement, the victim was returning home after meeting her 'boyfriend' on Wednesday evening when some miscreants, including Sohag and Hafizur, picked her up. They took the victim to a nearby field and violated her in turns.21

2018

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Dec Dec ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

18 https://www.prothomalo.com/bangladesh/article/1567771/ - 19 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/madrasa-ransacked-over-rape-allegation-against-teacher-1668322 20

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/indigenous-woman-raped-1670233 21 https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/mentally-challenged-widow-gang-raped-in-jashore/9017

11 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Attack on Journalist

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, adopted in 1948, and states that: Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek to receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers. 22 Regarding this fact, Journalists are facing an “unprecedented” wave of attacks in Bangladesh. Regrettably, individuals are not always able to disparage the government publicly without the fear of reprisal and the government often attempted to impede criticism by prohibiting or dispersing as well as shutting down many electronic and print media due to negligible reports against the government. The numbers of attacks on journalists, according to Human Rights Support Society report is increasing day by day. The chart below provides information about the total number of attack on a journalist.

2 1 5

Threatened Injured Arrest Assualted

37

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Figure 5; Attacks on Journalist

Dec Dec

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 December, According to HRSS’s documented statistics, around 37 were injured, nearly 05 were threatened, 02 arrested and one assaulted in nearly 12 incidents.

Selected cases are as described here: On Dec 02, 2018 Bangladesh Chhatra League men

allegedly beat up seven students and a journalist centring a scuffle over screening of a ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation commercial film on Rajshahi University campus. According to campus sources, Progressive Students‟ Alliance, a platform of four left-leaning RU student bodies, and Kendrio Sangskritik Jote, a platform of ten RU cultural organisations, activists jointly demonstrated in front of Kazi Nazrul Islam Auditorium demanding cancellation of the six-day commercial screening of Jaaz Multimedia‟s film „Dohon.‟ They also proposed for a two or three-day non-commercial show open for all. Among the beaten up students, Ali Younus Hridoy, final year student of mass communication and journalism department, also RU correspondent of daily Kholakagoj, and

Observ Rights Human Monthly 22 http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/ Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 12 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Mithun Chandra Mohonto, publicity and publication affairs secretary of Chhatra Union, were admitted to Rajshahi Medical Collage Hospital.23

On December 10, 2018A Dhaka court placed Sheikh Riad Mohammad Nur, 39, acting editor of online news portal “Dainik71.com,” on a three-day remand in connection with a case filed under the Digital Security Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Saiduzzaman Sharif passed the order after Sub-inspector Shawkat Ali of Ramna Police Station produced him before the court with a seven- day remand prayer. According to the remand prayer, Nur spread anti-state propaganda, distorted history of the Liberation War and made indecent remarks on Bangabandhu on the portal and Facebook pages.24

On Dec 10, 2018 the government blocked access to 54 websites, including several online news portals, few hours after unblocking them. The Bangladesh Telecommunication Regulatory Commission asked all the international internet gateway operators to block the access to the websites again, commission officials said. Earlier on 09 dec, the commission blocked 58 news portals. The websites were reopened on 10 dec. The commission then again decided to block 54 of the 58 websites on 10 dec. „The move was taken with a view to maintain state security and prevent spreading of rumours through these sites,‟ claimed an official. The international internet gatway operators implemented the commission order accordingly by blocking the portals.The government‟s earlier move had drawn huge criticism that pushed the government to ask the gateway operators on Monday to unblock the access to the 58 online portals. After the announcement of national election schedule on November 8, the government on November 19 blocked access to videoconferencing application Skype and its site for almost a day.25

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Dec Dec

Injured DBC television Jhenaidah correspondent, Abdur Rahman Milton at hospital.

On Dec 15, 2018 two local journalists were injured in an attack carried out on an online news portal office in the Jhenaidah town. The injured are Abdur Rahman Milton, district

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation correspondent of DBC television, and Jahir Hossain, district correspondent of local newspaper Desherbani. Milu Miah Biswas, additional superintendent of Jhenaidah police, said the group of „miscreants‟ attacked the office of local online portal „Jhenaidaher Choakh‟ around 9:00pm while the duo was sitting there. Later, the miscreants beat them up, vandalised the office and snatched away three mobile phones, a camera and a laptop. On information, police visited the spot.26

23 http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=147685&cat=9 24 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/acting-editor-news-portal-remanded-1671949 25

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly http://www.newagebd.net/article/58690/54-website-blocked-again 26 http://www.newagebd.net/article/59050/two-journalists-hurt-in-jhenaidah-attack

13 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

On Dec 15,2018Three Dhaka University-based journalists were allegedly assaulted by a group of Chhatra League activists of Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology when they went there to perform professional duties. BCL men of Sher-e-Bangla Hall unit of BUET, including deputy office secretary Asif Raihan Minar, science and technology affairs secretary SM Mahmud Shetu, joint secretary Nafiul Alam Fuji, publicity secretary Niladri Niloy Das, organising secretary Sajid Mahmud Ayon, vice-president Santur Rahman allegedly confined the journalists inside the dorm for nearly an hour and assaulted them during the time.27

On 30 Dec 2018 At least three journalists, including a photojournalist of this paper, were assaulted during parliamentary polls in Dhaka and Chattogram, while a number of journalists covering polls for this paper faced obstructions from activists of political parties and law enforcers in the capital. Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo of The Daily Star and Al Amin, a staff reporter of Chattogram-based online news portal Cvoice24.com, came under attack by alleged ruling party men while covering election proceedings. Meanwhile, senior reporter of Bangla daily Manab Zamin Kafi Kamal was assaulted while returning from a polling centre after casting vote in Moghbazar. Kafi Kamal said he, along with his wife, was returning from Eskaton Garden School on a CNG-run auto-rickshaw around 9am. Seeing some people beating up a few youths in front of Moghbazar BTCL School centre, he came down from the auto-rickshaw and tried to take photos and videos of the incident from a safe distance, Kafi said. Suddenly, some youths wearing badges of “boat” symbol surrounded him, snatched away his cell phone and started kicking and punching him.28

Besides, a number of journalists of this paper, who were carrying identity cards issued by the Election Commission, were also obstructed in different ways, including denial of entry to polling centres, by on-duty law enforcement agency members and alleged ruling party men

across Dhaka city. AKM Zamir Uddin was not allowed to enter AKM Rahmatullah Degree

2018 -

College in Uttar Badda area around 9am. Upon learning that he is a journalist, a man wearing Dec Dec badge of “boat” symbol told him not to enter the polling centre, and “offered a cup of tea”. Rafiul Islam was repeatedly obstructed by on-duty police and Ansar men from entering nine out of the 10 polling centres under Dhaka-4 constituency, keeping him waiting outside the main gate in most cases while the law enforcers got “permission” from inside the centres. Zahidul Islam was also prevented by activists wearing badges of “boat” from entering a polling centre in Modhubagh, under Dhaka-12 constituency. Photojournalist Palash Khan was prevented by activists of Awami League from entering Manipur High School polling centre in Mirpur under

Dhaka-15.29 ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

27 http://www.newagebd.net/article/59061/buet-bcl-activists-beat-up-journalists 28 https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh-national-election-2018/daily-star-photojournalist-kazi-tahsin-agaz-apurbo-assaulted-at-dhaka- 17-1680775 29

https://www.thedailystar.net/bangladesh-national-election-2018/daily-star-photojournalist-kazi-tahsin-agaz-apurbo-assaulted-at-dhaka-17- Observ Rights Human Monthly 1680775 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 14 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Attack on Minorities

According to the data collected HRSS, in Dec, it is found, in different corners of the country, a large number of atrocities were committed against the members of the minority communities. The violations against the Hindu minority have been left largely unreported. According to „The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights‟ declaration, “In those States in which ethnic, religious or linguistic minorities exist, persons belonging to such minorities shall not be denied the right, in community with the other members of their group, to enjoy their own culture, to profess and practice their own religion, or to use their own language'30. It also states that “the States Parties to the present Covenant undertake to guarantee that the rights enunciated in the present Covenant will be exercised without discrimination of any kind as to race, color, sex, language, religion, political or another opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or another status31.”

Human Rights Support Society catches data about the incidents of attacks on the minority. It shows that in Dec ’18 at least 06 houses were partially or fully destroyed in a total of 03

incidents. Some significant cases are stated below:

2018

- Dec Dec

Hindu houses burned down by unidentified people at Singia Shahapara of Thakurgaon on dec 21. Photo32

On December 21, 2018Unknown criminals set eight houses of a Hindu family on fire in Thakurgaon. The incident happened between 4:30am and 5:00am while residents of the houses were asleep, said Krisna Ghosh, one of the victims. Although the family members escaped unhurt, the fire killed seven goats, destroyed sixty maunds of paddy and all the furniture of the houses, Krisna added. The attackers first set a house on fire. Soon, it engulfed adjacent seven

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation houses, the victim said. Meanwhile, local Awami League and BNP leaders brought allegations against each other over the incident. They alleged that the attack was carried out for creating panic among the local Hindu community ahead of December 30 polls. 33

31 ibid

32 The star Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly 33 https://www.thedailystar.net/backpage/news/houses-hindu-family-torched-thakurgaon-1677199

15 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Violence against Children

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 Dec face sexual abuse or harassment. Girls in particular face the threat of child or early marriage. In schools, children Dec 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”.34

Number of killed(03) Incidents (08)

Injured (05)

Figure 06: Violence against children

According to HRSS report, the graph presented below regarding the violence against children 2018

in dec 2018, around 03 children’s were killed and almost 05 children’s have been critically - Dec Dec injured in a total of nearly 08 incidents of Violence against Children.

Some important cases are mentioned below; On Dec 18, A madrasa boy was beaten to death allegedly by his teachers at Matarbari Mokdel village in Maheshkhali upazila, Cox‟s Bazar, The deceased was identified as Md Emran, a fourth grader of Fayzul Ulum Madrasa in the area and son of Mohammad Hossain of the village.35

On Dec 01, 2018An 11-month-old baby girl died, hours after she was slapped allegedly by a

neighbour in the district's Sadar upazila, Sirajganj. The dead is Amina Khatun, daughter of | Bangladesh on Report ation Rashed Ali from Khalishapur village. Victim's mother Rokeya Khatun said she got into an altercation with neighbour Jahangir Hossain over damaging of plants by a goat. At one stage, Jahangir slapped Amina's back, leaving her ill. The baby girl died, Rokeya said.36

34 Convention on the Rights of the Child, 1989, Art,. 27. 35

http://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/madrasa-boy-tortured-to-death-in-coxs-bazar-2-held/8741 Observ Rights Human Monthly 36 https://www.thedailystar.net/country/baby-slapped-by-neighbour-dead-in-sirajganj-2-held-1667776 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 16 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

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 Dec 2018, 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 Dec 2018.

• Killed (05) • Injured (10)

• Bullet Hit (02) Total Incidents (16)

2018

- Figure 07: Statistics of Violent Attacks Dec Dec The chart provides information regarding the violent attack on an armless civilian. According to the data in Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) in Dec 2018, a total 16 incidents of violent attack have happened and 05 were killed in these attacks, 02 bullet hit and 10 were seriously injured.

Selected cases are as analyzed:

On Dec 01, 2018Sonaimuri Upazila Jatiyatabadi Chhatra Dal (JCD) President Shahidullah Liton

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation was shot in his leg. Local people rescued bullet-hit Liton, 26, around 12:00 midnight and rushed him to Noakhali 250-bed General Hospital. Liton, son of Md Hanif of Gobindapur village in Sonaimuri upazila, was forcibly taken into a micro-bus at Rampur on Noakhali-Cumilla around 9:00pm. Victim's father Hanif said the criminals forced his son Liton to get into the microbus after he got down from an auto-rickshaw.37

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly 37 https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/sonaimuri-jcd-man-shot-1668214

17 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

On Dec 4, 2018 Miscreants slaughtered a youth in Banshbaria Village of Shahzadpur Upazila, sirajgang. The deceased was identified as Sumon Sheel, son of late Nimai Sheel of the village. The deceased's brother Poritosh Sheel said Sumon was a barber at a saloon in Khukni Bazaar. On 4 Dec, he went out of house. On his way home, miscreants slaughtered him. He was immediately rushed to Enayetpur Khaza Yunus Alo Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead.38

On Dec 06,2018A leader of Bangladesh Chhatra League was stabbed to death by miscreants over previous enmity in the city's Kakrail area. The deceased was identified as Rakib Hossain, 25, president of wards no 19 BCL units. Abul Malek, sub-inspector of Banani Police Station, said a group of miscreants swooped on Rakib while he along with his friend Nur Islam were standing beside an Ansar camp in the area around 11:45pm and stabbed them indiscriminately, leaving them critically injured. Later, Rakib died on the way to Dhaka Medical College and Hospital.39

On Dec 12, 2018A trader was stabbed to death by a gang of unidentified miscreants in Narayanganj. The deceased -- Saiful Islam, 28, son of Abul Kashem wa a Flexiload vendor. Manzur Qader, officer-in-charge of Fatullah Model Police Station, said Saiful came under the attack while he was returning home from his shop.40

2018

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Dec Dec

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

38 http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=171832 39

https://unb.com.bd/category/bangladesh/bcl-leader-killed-in-city/7948 Observ Rights Human Monthly 40 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/trader-stabbed-death-nganj-1672537 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 18 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Abduction

Abduction means the crime of taking away of a person by persuasion, by fraud, or by open force or violence.41 Originally the word abduction is applied only to such taking away of women and children, but nowadays in Bangladesh, the term is also applied for an adult male. It is explicitly distinguished from kidnapping, which requires an element of force or threat of force that is a grave violation of human rights. Abduction is common incidences in present-day Bangladesh. The number of victims, according to HRSS report is increasing day by day. In Dec, the occurrences of abduction increased alarmingly all over the country. The graph below provides information about the total number of abduction.

Total Abduction (23)

Rescue After Killed After Abduction Abduction (04) (15)

Figure 08; Statistics of Abduction in Dec ’18

The above pie chart describes information about abduction cases in dec’18 in Bangladesh. 2018

- According to the Human Rights Support Society (HRSS), a total of 23 people were abducted in

the different area of the country, among them approximately 10 were male, roughly 03 were Dec Dec female and almost 10 were children. On the other hand, 15 were killed after the abduction and nearly 04 people were rescued by law enforcement agencies after the abduction. Selected cases are as follows: On Dec 01, 2018 a schoolboy was found dead in a garden in front of Dublia police camp at village Dublia in , who had been missing for four days. The deceased was identified as Ashique Mahmud Oni, 14, son of Rabiul Paramanik, of the same village. He appeared in this year‟s Junior School Certificate examination from Dublia High ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation School. Victim‟s cousin Shawon Reza Khan said Ashique went to his father‟s shop at the village around 7:00pm on November 26 and after that he did not return home.42

On Dec 11, 2018 a 10-year-old boy was found dead in Sreenagar upazila of Gazipur, six days after he was allegedly kidnapped. The boy Sadman Iqbal Rakin, son of a Shamim Iqbal had appeared for primary education completion examination from Faugan Government Primary

41

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly https://definitions.uslegal.com/a/abduction/ 42 http://www.newagebd.net/article/57594/missing-school-student-found-dead-in-pabna

19 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

School this year. Informed by locals, police recovered his body from a bamboo grove in Faugan area. Sreenagar Police Station Sub-Inspector Shahidul Islam said the boy might have been strangled. Sadman was missing since he went to a mosque near his home in the area for evening prayers on December 5, said his uncle Jahidul Islam. An hour later, the boy's father received a phone call from his wife's number, of which the SIM card had been lost previously. The caller demanded Tk 10 lakh for his son's release, said Jahidul. Afterwards, the phone was found switched off, he added.43

On Dec 13, 2018 the body of an expatriate man was found buried in the ground in Saidampur village under Basail upazila, Tangail district, seven days after he went missing. The deceased was Kesto Mondol, 38, son of late Bumchan Mondol of the village. Kesto came to Bangladesh from Singapore about six months ago and went missing from the market of his village in the evening of December 6, said Basail Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) SM Tuhin Ali, quoting Kesto's family members. Local people informed police yesterday morning after seeing a hand sticking out of an irrigation drain beside a road in the village, the OC said.44

On Dec 14, 2018 an abducted boy Sabbir, 8, son of Gazi Miah of Chattogram, was rescued after eight months from Ulipur Upazila of the district, Kurigram. Sabbir went missing from Baizid Bostami Mazar premises of Chattogram City eight months back.With the help of Ulipur Police Station (PS) and journalist, the parents got back the boy.45

2018

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Dec Dec

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

43 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/kidnapped-boy-found-dead-gazipur-1672396 44

https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/expatriates-body-found-7-days-after-his-missing-1673317 Observ Rights Human Monthly 45 http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=173203 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 20 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Recovery of Dead Body

The right to life is a moral principle based on the belief that a human being has the right to live and, in particular, should not be killed by another human being and Security of life is the most important right of all human beings. Everyone has the right to life, liberty, and security of person. 46 In Bangladesh, due to different reasons including worsening of law and order situation, the unidentified dead body is found at different places of the country.

27

Male 55 Female

Figure 09; Recovery of Dead Body in Dec ’18

The given chart illustrates information about the recovery dead body. According to information collected by HRSS in dec 2018, a total of 66 dead bodies were found in the different area of the

country, among of the 55 bodies were male and 27 bodies were female.

2018 -

Selected cases are as follows: On December 01, 2018A local leader of Tanti League, a pro-Awami Dec Dec League body, was found dead hours after he went out of his house in , Bagerhat. The victim, Khalilur Rahman Sheikh, 50, former general secretary of Tanti League, Morrelganj municipality unit, was son of late Shamsu Sheikh of Harindhara village in the upazila. Deceased's son Rubel Sheikh, 22, said his father went out of the house after talking with an unknown caller around 7:00pm. After finding Khalil's mobile phone off, family members started searching for him and finally found his body lying on a road, about a kilometre from his house, Rubel said, adding that criminals might have killed his father over political enmity as the

body was found in wet clothes.47 ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

On Dec 14,2018Police recovered throat-slit body of a female staff of a private hospital at Chakrampur in Natore town. The deceased was identified as Mita Khatun, a counter manager of the hospital. Khandaker Jalal Uddin, officer-in-charge of Natore Police Station, said colleagues of Mita spotted her body on the fourth floor of the hospital and informed the matter to police.48

46http://www.un.org/en/universal-declaration-human-rights/ 47

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/tanti-league-leader-found-dead-1667851 48 http://www.newagebd.net/article/58899/throat-slit-female-found-at-natore-hospital

21 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

On Dec 15, 2018 Brother-in-law of Awami League MP MA Latif was found dead at his residence at Bark Mia School intersection in Fakirhat area of the port city. The deceased was identified as Tofael Ahmed Rafiq, 57. Additional deputy commissioner (port) of Chattogram Metropolitan Police Arefin Jewel said Rafiq‟s sons spotted him lying blood stained in his room in the evening and rushed him to nearby Mother and Child Care Hospital where doctors declared him dead.49

Mainuddin with his two minor children. Photo50 Dec 17, 2018 Police recovered the bodies of a couple and their two minor children from their residence at Debpur village of Chandpur Sadar upazila Chandpur. The deceased were identified as Mainuddin, 35, his wife Fatema Begum, 24, their five-year-old daughter Mithila and one- year-old son Siam, of the village. Locals spotted the bodies in the morning and informed police, said Zihad Kabir, superintendent of Chandpur police, while visiting the spot.51

On Dec 20, 2018 Police recovered hanging body of a student from a madrassah at Ranibazar in Rajshahi. The deceased was Talha Zubayer, 12, son of Afsar Ali of Bagha upazila, Rajshahi.

Sirajul Islam, director of Ranibazar Hafezia madrassah, said Talha took admission in the 2018 -

madrassah in June this year. Noticing that the victim remained absent in the Magrib prayers, the Dec Dec authorities went to his room and found the body hanging from ceiling.52

On December 30, 2018Police recovered the body of a local BNP leader from a roadside cropland in Gopalpur upazila of the district Tangail. The deceased, Haji Abdul Aziz, 65, a resident of Nogda Shimla village, was vice-president of BNP's ward No 4 unit, said Tangail district BNP President Shamsul Alam Tofa. The BNP leader was murdered, he alleged.53

On Dec 31,2018A local Juba League leader was hacked to death and two others were injured in an attack allegedly by rivals in Sitakunda of Chattogram. The deceased was identified as Syed | Bangladesh on Report ation Mohammad Daud Samrat, 35, a member of Juba League upazila unit. The injured Amal and Sajjad were taken to Chittagong Medical College Hospital.54

49https://www.clickittefaq.com/al-mps-brother-in-law-found-dead-at-ctg-home/ 50 UNB 51 https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/nation/2018/12/17/couple-2-kids-found-dead-in-chandpur 52 http://www.newagebd.net/article/59351/madrassah-student-found-dead-in-rajshahi 53

https://www.thedailystar.net/country/news/bnp-man-found-dead-1680853 Observ Rights Human Monthly 54 https://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/jubo-league-leader-hacked-dead-in-chattogram/9607 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 22 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Border Killing 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 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.

6

5

4 6 3 4 2

1 1 0 Incidents Killed by BSF Arrested By BSF

Figure 10; Statistics of Border Violence 2018 -

Dec Dec The given chart gives data on the border dispute. According to HRSS in Dec 2018, almost 06 Bangladeshis citizen were arrested and one killed by BSF in a total 04 incidents.

On December 18, 2018 A Bangladeshi national was shot dead allegedly by Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at Kironganj border in Shibganj upazila, Chapainawabganj. The deceased was Abdur Rahim, 22, son of Morshed Ali of Kironganj village.55

On 8 December, 2018 Indian Border Security Force (BSF) arrested a Bangladeshi cattle trader

ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation from India at the border in the upazila, Naogaon. The detainee is HuDecun Kabir, 35, son of Sabet Ali of Jalsuka Village in the upazila.56

55

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly http://www.mzamin.com/article.php?mzamin=150210&cat=9/ 56 http://www.observerbd.com/details.php?id=172096

23 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

Inhuman Torture by Law Enforcement Agencies

The term "torture" means any act by which severe pain or suffering, whether physical or mental is inflicted intentionally on a person for the purposes of obtaining from him or a third person information or a confession, punishing him for an act he or a third person has committed or is suspected of having committed, or intimidating or coercing him or a third person, or for any reason based on discrimination of any kind, when such pain or suffering is inflicted by or at the instigation of or with the consent or acquiescence of a public official or other person acting in an official capacity. It does not include pain or suffering arising only from, inherent in or incidental to lawful sanctions.57According to Article 5 of the UDHR, no one shall be subjected to torture or cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. Article 14 (2) of the ICCPR provides that everyone charged with a criminal offense shall have the right to be presumed innocent until proved guilty according to law. International Convention against Torture (CAT) has also been declared torture as the punishable offense. As a signatory to this convention, Bangladesh is supposed to comply with its provisions.

Bangladesh constitution prohibits torture at any level in custody or interrogation cell. Local and international human rights organizations and the media always report that security forces, especially RAB and police, inflict severe torture, physical and psychological abuses after arrests and during interrogations. Violating all rules and regulations, security forces use cruel methods such as indiscriminate beatings, pouring boil water, removing finger nails and administering electric shocks etc. The scenario of inhuman torture in Bangladesh over the period of the first

six of‟18 is detailed below:

2018

- Dec Dec

Inhuman Torture by Law Enforcement Agencies Number of incidents (56)

Injured | Bangladesh on Report ation (154)

Shot (73)

Figure; 11, Statistics of Inhuman Torture

Observ Rights Human Monthly 57 http://www.ohchr.org/EN/ProfessionalInterest/Pages/CAT.aspx Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 24 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

The graph illustrates information about inhuman tortured by law enforcement agencies, According to HRSS, in Dec’ 2018, a total of 154 people were reportedly injured, and almost 73 shot by the law enforcement agency. Some cases are as follows:

On December 06, 2018 Some 20 people were injured in clashes between garment factory workers and law enforcers in Fatullah BSCIC Industrial city. Police and workers said about 4,500 workers had been agitated since 4 dec demanding a raise. Workers found a notice at the factory gate, saying helpers will get Tk 8,300 per month and operators Tk 9,500, and only those willing to work at this pay would be allowed to enter factory premises. Some workers entered the factory and started ransacking it around 10am, while others protested in front of the gate. Factory worker Bubli Begum died from a cardiac arrest during the commotion, presumably caused by fear and shock, according to Dr Tahmina of Narayanganj 300 Bed Hospital.58

On Dec 12, 2018 At least 25 people, including policemen, were injured in clashes between the police and readymade garment workers at different points in Gazipur. Workers said that they were staging demonstrations in the area de manding implementation of the new wage structure and the police opened fire on them, hurled teargas shells at them to disperse their gathering. Owners of at least 20 garment factories in the area shut their day‟s operation fearing that the unrest might spread further.59

2018

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Dec Dec ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

58 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/rmg-workers-clash-leaves-20-injured-1670302

59 http://www.newagebd.net/article/58783/25-people-injured-in-police-rmg-workers-clashes-in-gazipur Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly

25 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

The situation of Right to freedom of Speech and expression

The present condition of freedom of expression in Bangladesh is dreadful because of an absence of social equality, democracy and a lack of useful societies, which have been provoked by a gradually suppressive political milieu. The rights to freedom of expression are constantly violated while human rights activists and journalist, opposition party are facing systematic oppression under the state actor. The declaration of draconian laws against the journalist, human rights defenders, online activists, and bloggers are extensive. Suppression of uncooperative voice has become a regular practice due to a culture of impunity, lack of accountability and destructive justice delivery mechanisms. The following issues are major concerns for freedom of opinion and expression in Bangladesh.

According to the Human Rights Support Society’s information in Dec ’18, a total of 15 have been arrested under ‘Digital Security Act 2018’ in different areas of the country in a total 08 incidents.

On December 10, 2018A Dhaka court placed Sheikh Riad Mohammad Nur, 39, acting editor of online news portal “Dainik71.com,” on a three-day remand in connection with a case filed under the Digital Security Act. Metropolitan Magistrate Md Saiduzzaman Sharif passed the order after Sub-inspector Shawkat Ali of Ramna Police Station produced him before the court with a seven- 60

day remand prayer. 2018

On 14 December, 2018 two people were arrested in Chattogram for posting defamatory remarks -

on Facebook about Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Sayed Ikram Shafi, 48, and Azad Kamal

Dec Dec

Nishan, 20, were picked up by Police Bureau of Investigation (PBI) members from Sitakunda's Kumira area in the morning. They will be accused in a case, said Santosh Kumar Chakma, a PBI inspector. "Shafi and Nishan have long been posting offensive comments about the prime minister and her family from a computer shop - Ahmadia Enterprise – at Kumira‟s Dalchal Mia Mazar Gate,” the PBI official said.61

On Dec 20,2018Members of Rapid Action Battalion arrested three people from the city‟s Shyamoli area for their alleged involvement in spreading rumours through posting false, fabricated and provocative remarks against the government on social networking site facebook. | Bangladesh on Report ation The arrestees are Wahedun Nabi, 47, son of Kazi Nurunnabi of Noakhali, Arafat Hakim alias Apu, 38, son of Azizul Haq of Chuadanga and Mohammad Zabid, 45, son of Rustom Ali of Mirpur in Dhaka.62

60 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/news/acting-editor-news-portal-remanded-1671949

61 http://unb.com.bd/category/Bangladesh/2-held-for-defamatory-facebook-posts-about-pm-hasina/8448 Observ Rights Human Monthly 62 http://www.newagebd.net/article/59459/three-held-in-city-for-spreading-rumours-on-facebook Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrscbd.org 26 Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

On December 21, 2018 BNP candidate for Patuakhali-3 Golam Maula Rony and five others have been sued under the Digital Security Act. Mehedi Masud, joint secretary of Awami League's local election coordination body, filed the case with Galachipa Police Station. The other accused are Shahjahan Khan, vice president of Patuakhali district BNP, Rony's brother Sarwar Hossain, his brother-in-law Makbul Hossain; Shiplu Khan, former chairman of Chiknikandi Union Parishad; and Shah Alam Sanu, president of Dashmina upazila Jubo Dal unit.63

On Dec 28, 2018 Members of Rapid Action Battalion arrested eight people from Maghbazar and Mouchak areas in Dhaka allegedly for spreading rumour on social media over the Sunday‟s general election. The arrestees are Mahmudul Hasan, 27, Abdullah Al Noman, 26, Abdul Kader, 28, Morshul Islam, 22, Saiful Islam Mithu, 29, Didarul Islam, 35, Arifur Rahman, 34 and Motahar Hossain, 21. A team of RAB-2 conducted a drive in the areas and arrested them, said Mufti Mahmud Khan, director of legal and media wing of RAB said at a press briefing adding that the arrestees had involvement in making provocative video.64

2018

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Dec Dec ation Report on Bangladesh | Bangladesh on Report ation

Monthly Human Rights Observ Rights Human Monthly 63 https://www.thedailystar.net/city/bnp-candidate-golam-maula-rony-five-others-sued-under-digital-security-act-1677175 64 http://www.newagebd.net/article/60186/eight-held-in-city-for-spreading-rumours-ahead-of-polls

27 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

At a glance Human Right Situation of Bangladesh (Dec’18)

80

70

60

50

40 77

30

20

22 2018

10 -

11 Dec Dec 5 3 1 3 0 Rape Extra Killed in Killed in Killed in Killed for Recovery Judicial Child Violent Border Dowry Dead Body Killing Violence Attack Dispute

Figure 12: Human Right Situation of Bangladesh at a Glance in Dec 2018

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

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Conclusion

In closing, it‟s detected that the political turmoil in Bangladesh threatens the existence of freedom of expression, assembly and association. Moreover, huge numbers of human rights violations are regularly taking places, such as election violence and rigging enforced disappearances, extrajudicial killings, torture, targeted killings, and arbitrary arrests. Domestic violence, rape and child abuse have been frequent in Dec. Although UDHR obliges all signatory states and the Constitution of Bangladesh specifically guaranteed the fundamental rights of the citizens, it‟s a matter of deep concern that they have been denied by the incumbent governments. The government, in order to continue its regime, undertook repressive measures against the oppositions. The rule of law has been compromised. These situation leads to political vacuum and created enabling environment for extremism. Surprisingly, the government has been trying to cast responsibility on the leaders and activists of oppositions and undertook unprecedented repressive measures against them and also termed them as ‘extremists’. Consequently, the government initiated drastic unlawful actions against the leaders and activists of the oppositions. HRSS spots that the state authority should be more responsive in protecting the life and property of the citizen and thereby fulfill their constitutional obligation. It further appeals to every conscious citizen to raise their voice against flagrant human rights violations. In order to fight against all sorts of repressive measures, HRSS is committed to gather all relevant information and publish reports in various forms (i.e. monthly, quarterly, half-yearly, and annually). HRSS further expresses its commitment to bring back democracy, right to vote, freedom of assembly, establishing rule of law and accountability in all sphere of life. Certainly, this mission is challenging but achievable. We believe relentless effort would ensure improvement of over all

human rights situation in Bangladesh.

2018

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29 Email: [email protected] | Website: www.hrssbd.org Monthly Human Rights Report –December, 2018

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.

The Bangladesh government should establish an independent and impartial commission 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 2018

to such a commission. The inquiry should be time-bound and transparent and should have the - Dec Dec 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.

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