Parliament should not grant blanket indemnity to acts and ordinance of CG
Staff Correspondent
A total of 149 people were killed by law enforcement personnel across the country in the year of 2008, according to annual report of Odhikar, a coalition for human rights.
“Of them, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) killed 68 people, police killed 59 people, RAB and police acting together killed 25, the ‘Joint Forces’ killed 1, Coast Guard killed 4 persons and BDR killed 2 persons,” the report said.
This was revealed at a discussion meeting held at the National Press Club yesterday. Eminent columnist Farhad Mazhar, also the adviser of the organisation, presented the report and said, “Extra judicial killing should be stopped soon. In the name of crossfire, killing people is a violation of the process of natural justice.” he said, adding, the Election Commi-ssion (EC) and the Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) failed to play its due role to establish a democratic country during last two years caretaker government regime.
In the report, Odhikar says another form of violation of right to life, are deaths in custody. This trend has continued regardless of types of government in power. In 2008 it was reported that a total of 66 people died in jail custody.
It also says, “In the last year a total of 454 women and girls were reported as victims of rape. Among them, 202 were women and 252 girls. Of them, 68 women and 30 girls were killed after being raped and one women committed suicide. Among those raped 110 women and 70 girls were the victims of gang rape.”
Odhikar demanded that the next parliament should not grant blanket impunity and ratify acts of the caretaker government. There are a number of ordinances such as the Anti-Terrorism Ordinance, Right to Information Ordinance, and others that should not be approved without major reviews and changes.
“The parliament should not ratify also those Ordinances promulgated during the state of emergency that are not consistent with international human right norms and standards. The parliament must make sure that the emergency provision, after its withdrawal, cannot continue to violate human rights. Cases filed under emergency provisions should no longer run under the emergency provisions.” The report said.
Odhikar believes, “the caretaker government system as contemplated in the constitution has to be re-examined and replaced to make space for institutions to work. A caretaker system disrupts constitutional development. Also the tenure of the caretaker government has to be addressed as well, so that in future, people do not live under unelected oppressive regimes.”
The organisation called upon all political parties to respect democratic and human rights norms and reminds the newly elected government of its obligations to create an environment for the opposition to play a due role and make contributions towards successful and democratic government.
Among others journalists Ataus Samad, Motiur Rah-man Chowdhury, and professors Mahfujullah, Mahmudur Rah-man and Khushi Kabir were present.
Courtesy: thebangladeshtoday.com
