Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Another journalist tortured by ruling party men in Bangladesh


By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another journalist Saidur Rahman Nazu was tortured by a ruling party leader at Puthia under Rajshahi district in Bangladesh on 17th August, 2009. He was admitted to the local health complex. But, after continuously threatening he was flew from the local hospital. And now he is in the Rajshahi Medical College Hospital (RMCH). Still the perpetrator has giving threat to him. In this situation, Mr. Nazu has feared about his security. Journalist Nazu is working for news agency of News Network of Bangladesh (NNB). And he is well known journalist in Rajshahi region.Sources said that, journalist Saidur Rahman Nazu was attacked by the leader of Abdul Malek and his associates. Mr. Malek is the general secretary of ruling party Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) Puthia municipality unit. Journalist Nazu was came at Puthia bazaar on 17th August, 2009 at morning. In that time Mr. Makek and his associates were attacked on Nazu. They were kicking, slapping and beating to him. So, he was severely injured. Local peoples took him to the Puthia health complex hurray. The perpetrator took mobile set and important documents from Nazu.After happened this incident local journalists asked to Mr. Malek about the event. Then he told that, ‘Nazu is a bloody man. On Sunday (16th August) he asked to our member of parliament (MP) Abdul Oadud Dara about so-called four lac taka bribe taken from someone. For this, we were beaten him. Again we beat him. Because still his punish has not enough. We heard that he has been admitted in the hospital. We go to hospital.’ Local MP Mr. Dara said to the journalists, ‘journalist tortured is not wise decisions. I will take serious action against the perpetrators.’ But, Mr. Dara were took Mr. Malek with his car and gone from the spot.Not only that, after that some supporters of local MP were came to the local Puthia health complex led by Awlad. Mr. Awlad is the general secretary of ruling party youth front Jubo League Puthia unit. They tried to taken journalist Nazu and go outside from hospital for several times. For security reson Nazu was flew from the local hospital and admitted in the RMCH.Rajshahi Union of Journalists (RUJ) president Hasan Millat and general secretary Shiblee Noman only gave their condemn and wants to punish the perpetrator about the said tortured incident. But, we think that this is not enough from RUJ as a journalist community organization or a trade union. Although we understand that, the perpetrator is belong with ruling party and the RUJ leaders also believe with same party. So, how could they take big programme? If the perpetrator was belong with opposition then the RUJ leaders will take big demonstration. See more information about journalists killings-tortured in Bangladesh: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=827When I was the general secretary of RUJ I was totally illegally victimized by state as well as some corrupted political leaders including Awami League. In that time also the RUJ leaders were nothing to do about press freedom. So, please visit and see the problem of press freedom in Bangladesh: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=931Today I was searched in internet the newspapers of Bangladesh. But, I didn’t found the news about tortured of journalist Nazu. It is very unfortunate for press freedom.As a professional journalist I urge that, please come and unit for our press freedom and should forget your political fascination. Otherwise, every day will hamper the press freedom. We demand to the present government, please should arrest and punish the perpetrator those who were involved with journalist’s killings and torturing. 18-08-2009 Editor: The Human Rights Today

Friday, August 14, 2009

August 15 in 1975 is a black-chapter


By Jahangir Alam Akash: Bangabondhu, Bangladesh and our independence have very closed relation. Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had one of the great nationalizes leader in the world. Bangabondhu (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=714) was the pioneer and architect of independent Bangladesh and its sovereignty. His political prudence, indomitable courage, eloquence and powerful leadership motivated the countrymen to join in the war of liberation.
Bangabondhu proclaimed independence on March 26 in 1971 and the people dived into nine months long bloody battle and achieved the long desired sweetest freedom, He also gave restless effort to represent an esteemed Bangalee nation on the world stage. His golden-etched name will remain in the history of Bangalees and Bangladesh forever. But our nation has been waiting from 34 years for justice his brutal murders.
August 15 in 1975 is a black-chapter in the history of Bangalee nation. Bangabondhu and his family members were ruthlessly murdered by anti liberation force and with the help of army member in this day. And the nation incurred an irretrievable loss. The nation is deeply shocked and full with grief for this shameful incident. Now, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabondhu is the main target by killer’s group especially Islamic militant group.
The country today observes National Mourning Day on the 34th death anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabondhu, with a vow to implement the longstanding High Court verdict in the case in connection with his murder. The day is a public holiday. The government chalked out nationwide programmes to observe the day at the state level. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina (she is a daughter of Bangabondhu), will visit her father's grave at Tungipara under Gopalgonj district today. Along with ruling Awami League (AL), different political parties, and student and socio-cultural organizations also planned programmes to mourn the killings of Bangabondhu and most of his family members on this day in 1975. Three separate attacks on this day 34 years ago left 24 people killed. Bangabandhu's two daughters -- Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana -- could escape the bloodbath as they were abroad at the time. The victims also including wife of Bangabondhu Begum Fazilatunnesa Mujib, sons Sheikh Kamal, Sheikh Jamal and nine-year-old Sheikh Russell, daughters-in-law Sultana Kamal and Parveen Jamal, brother Sheikh Naser, nephew Sheikh Fazlul Huq Moni and his wife Begum Arju Moni, brother-in-law Abdur Rab Serniabat, 13-year-old Baby Serniabat, Serniabat's son Arif and four-year-old grandson Babu, three guests, Bangabondhu's four domestic helps, and his security chief Col Jamil Uddin Ahmed.
Bangabondhu united the Bangalees to throw off the shackles of Pakistani oppression and steered them towards independence. His stirring speech on March 7, 1971, before a crowd of lakhs ready to stake everything for freedom, left an indelible imprint on the nation's memory. For 21 long years, his killers had been immune from prosecution due to the Indemnity Ordinance, which was finally repealed in 1996, paving the way for trials of the killers. A murder case was filed on October 2, 1996. In November 1998, a trial court awarded death penalty to 15 former army officers for killing Bangabondhu and his family members. The High Court (HC) upheld the death sentences of 12. Five of the condemned -- dismissed army personnel Lt Col Syed Farooq-ur Rahman, Lt Col Sultan Shahriar Rashid Khan, Lt Col Muhiuddin Ahmed, Maj AKM Mahiuddin Ahmed, and Maj Bazlul Huda -- are behind bars while six are hiding abroad. Another condemned Aziz Pasha died. The five condemned convicts filed separate appeals with the Appellate Division of Supreme Court in the last week of October 2007 against their death sentences pronounced by the HC.Law Minister Shafique Ahmed recently told journalists that hearings of the appeals will start soon as there is no shortage of judges in the Supreme Court now. The condemned six still at large are Shariful Haque Dalim, AKM Mahiuddin, Rashed Chowdhury, Nur Chowdhury, Abdul Mazed, and Moslemuddin.
In the daily Star published a special report on 15 August of 1975. The report says. Islamic radicalism, menacing the nation for years now, was something India and the United States learnt to dread soon after the assassination of Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. Documents lately declassified by the US Office of the Historian show the apprehension had its roots in the perception that Bangabondhu's killers--all military officers--were “pro-US, anti-Soviet Union, Islamic, and less pro-Indian than the past leadership”.
The August 15 bloodbath in 1975 left Mujib and most of his family butchered and his party in total disarray. It led to the assumption that Pakistan would regain its sway on the nation it sought to subdue only a few years back. In the context of the cold war dynamics, India and the US were also concerned that China, which recognized Bangladesh only after August 1975, might help radical communist elements thrive in the delta sliding into militocracy. All these worries were reflected in a conversation between the then US secretary of state Henry Kissinger and Indian external minister YB Chavan.
The US Office of the Historian, which is responsible for preparation and publication of the official historical documentary record of American foreign policy, has transcript of the conversation that took place at the US Department of State on October 6, 1975. There, the discussion related to the developments in Bangladesh goes like this:
YB Chavan: The new president [Khandaker Mushtaque Ahmed] has sent us assurances that he was standing by the same policy but we are concerned, in particular, whether the new government will take an extreme Islamic posture. This would create problems for the minority in Bangladesh. If the Hindus again feel insecure, there might be a new wave of refugees. Kissinger: Is there a large minority group in Bangladesh? Chavan: About 15%. It is a major factor. So far the new government (after Mujib killing) has given assurances it would follow the same policy as Mujib, but we are naturally worried about the influence of Pakistan on Bangladesh. Kissinger: What is your impression? Chavan: They have just announced diplomatic relations. This is a good thing. Even under Mujib we recommended this. We never wanted an exclusive relationship with Bangladesh. Our worry is only this: That they might try to give a different connotation to the situation by giving an Islamic twist to things. Also the Chinese recognized [Bangladesh] only after the coup. Frankly, we are worried. There are radical communist elements in Bangladesh which the Chinese might try to help. Here we hope the US and India will have a common approach.
After a while, Kissinger asked his Indian counterpart, “What is the tendency of the [Bangladesh] military? Is it anti-Indian?" Chavan replied, "Frankly, there is some anti-Indian tendency, I am sorry to say." At this point, Kewal Singh, the then secretary of Indian external affairs ministry, chipped in, "Some people hostile to Mujib were brought back. We don't want to give the impression we are concerned but pro-Islamic and pro-radical groups have some strength."
Chavan and Kissinger met the following day as well and talked about Bangladesh. Almost immediately they got down to serious talking about political ramifications of the August 15 coup d'état. Yet again, the Indian minister said, "We are worried about Bangladesh. Radical movements are already there. If Pakistan and China converse their efforts, this could pose a problem. This would be a new factor in South Asia which needs assessment." The secretary of state said, "Previously, the Chinese were opposed to Bangladesh. They were not among Mujib's admirers." As he asked if India had any advance indication of the coup, his opposite number replied, "None."
Kissinger then observed, "People are always complaining that we don't know about things in advance…They should realize that any coup that succeeds must have fooled someone. Mujib just couldn't have imagined that anyone would organize a coup against him. As I understand it, your relations with Bangladesh are now good. What you are concerned about is a future possibility.”
TN Kaul, the then Indian ambassador to the US, added, "The danger is Pan Islamism." At one point, Kissinger said, "The real worry would be if countries with resources like Saudi Arabia get radical leaders. Then there would be trouble." Kaul said, "One reason why we banned the Jamaat Islami and RSS is that these parties were getting money from the outside." The Kissinger-Chavan meeting gives an impression that none of the two countries had prior knowledge of the military takeover.
But the US state department's documents suggest quite the contrary. They show that like India, the US had gathered that something sinister was brewing, and it had even informed Bangabondhu about it. Minutes of a staff meeting headed by Kissinger after August 15, show that the US was well aware of the plot. There, Kissinger was heard enquiring Alfred Atherton Jr., assistant secretary of state for Near Eastern and South Asian affairs in 1974-1978, about the assassination. Atherton said the US had lots of indications in March that some quarters were scheming to kill Mujib. Kissinger asked, "Didn't we tell him [Mujib] about it?" The assistant secretary of state said, "We told him at the time." As his boss pressed to know if Bangabondhu was told who it was going to be, Atherton answered, "I will have to check whether we gave him the names." At that point, Hyland of Bureau of Intelligence and Research said, "We were a little imprecise on that."
Referring to the US alerting Bangabondhu to the danger of an attack on him, Atherton said, "He [Mujib] brushed it off, scoffed at it, and said nobody would do a thing like that to him." Kissinger remarked, "He was one of the world's prize fools." Talking about the coup leaders, Atherton said, "They are military officers, middle and senior officers, who are generally considered less pro-Indian than the past leadership; pro-US, anti-Soviet." The secretary of state responded, "Absolutely inevitable." And Atherton went on, "Islamic. They have changed the name to the Islamic Republic” Kissinger said, "That they would be pro-US was not inevitable. In fact, I would have thought at some turn of the wheel they were going to become pro-Chinese, and anti-Indian I firmly expected. I always knew India would rue the day that they made Bangladesh independent. I predicted that since '71."
Major Dalim, one of the on-the-run convicted killers of Bangabondhu, in a radio announcement soon after the killings declared the country would now be named "Islamic Republic of Bangladesh". The declaration which eventually did not materialise was a complete contrast to the secular ideals that stirred Bangalees to fight for independence from "Islamic Republic of Pakistan" in 1971.
Though the republic's name was spared a change, its constitution soon lost secular character. The original charter saw secularism dropped as one of its four fundamental principles. It also had 'Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim' in the preamble.
Even more alarming was the scrapping of the ban on religion-based political parties. During the rule of Ziaur Rahman, five parties including Jamaat-e-Islami, which collaborated with the Pakistani occupation forces and committed genocide and numerous atrocities during the Liberation War, were allowed to be in politics again. The government of independent Bangladesh in its first decision banned these parties that always oppose the nation's independence and thrive on communal disturbances. In the early 80s, the country's second military ruler HM Ershad introduced Islam as state religion, dealing a death blow to secularism.
The rise of Islamist militancy, once a fear, is a reality now, 34 years after the August 15 carnage. During the BNP-Jamaat-led rule in 2001-2006, Islamist outfits spread tentacles across the country thanks to patronage from some influential leaders of the ruling alliance. Though the BNP government woke up to the dangers of militancy towards the end of its tenure, it was too little too late. Now the task lies with Awami League-led grand alliance that came to power on promises that include the one to root out militancy. And at the centre stage in the combat against militancy is Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who herself had been the target of several attacks.
Now the peoples of Bangladesh have don’t want to bother any late to execute the killers of Bangabondhu. In the same time we want to see immediately the constitution of 1972 which was made after our independence. We want to see to our loving country Bangladesh as an actual democratic country, there will have rule of law, good governance. Source: the daily Star & BD News24.com

Monday, August 10, 2009

Honorable Prime Minister opens your eyes for minority!

By Jahangir Alam Akash: Honorable Prime Minister and daughter of Bangabondhu Sheikh Hasina, please have look your eyes to minority community. We ask you as a citizen of Bangladesh you have don’t seen anything what happening in Bangladesh? But, why, every day the newspapers have been published much news about minority torture. You have many hands as a Prime Minister, so why don’t take action against minority perpetrators? Still have much time with your hands. So, please safe our minority peoples and their wealth.
Adv.Rabindra GhoshPresident-Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW) was sent news which was published in the daily Sangbad. We have known that, Sangbad is an oldest newspaper in Bangladesh. And they have goodwill as a responsible journalism.
Properties belonging to Minorities at Sherpur District forcefully occupied by Juba League Leader on last Saturday, shops demolished; women injured (The daily Sangbad dated 10 August, 2009)
A group of hoodlums with the leadership of Hafizur Rahman Hafiz andhis elder brother Azizur Rahman Aziz – Cultural Secretary of Juba League (Youth Organisation of Awami League) Nalitabari Upazila underSherpur district on last Saturday morning forcefully occupied seven decimals of lands belonging to a Hindu owner- Surjya Kanta Debnath. In this connection allegations received from the victim’s family that two shops were demolished and their daughter Ms.Lipi Debnath was physically assaulted during operation.
But Juba League Leader denied the allegations of forceful occupation of lands, but he admitted that the lands purchased by his father and uncle were recovered. It is also alleged that since long there was a dispute between Surjya Kanta and Hafizur Rahman & Brothers with regard to seven decimals of lands situated at Garkanda Saha Para within Nalitabari Upazila. Surjya Kanta possessed the lands since long. But before forceful occupation Hafizur and Azizur were putting constant pressure to Hindu occupant to give up the lands.
But Surjya Kanta claimed that the seven decimals of lands were purchased from his maternal aunt- Ms.Khuki Bala and as such he is the real owner of the properties. And the claim of Hafizur is baseless and illegal. Advocate Sudhanshu Kumar Kaloar informed that a group of hoodlums armed with deadly weapon attacked the house of Surjya Kanta and demolished two shops belonging to Surja Kanta and assaulted Ms.Lipi Debnath and occupied the lands forcefully.
It is also learnt that this Juba League leader –Hafizur Rahman is the accused of charge sheeted case of murder of Yousuf and Takan who are also President and Secretary of Nalitabari Chatra League respectively killed by him on 25th October, 1999. This case has been stayed by order of the High Court Division. (Please see more news about minority repression in Bangladesh: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=926).
Twenty Minority families are on run because of continuous kidnapping of women/children and forceful collection of zizia tax: at Sonagazi-Feni District. (The Daily Sangbad dated 9th August, 2009) More than twenty minority families located at village –Kazir Hat and Keramatia of Sonagazi Upazila of Feni district of Bangladesh are absconding because of continuous threat and atrocities by local Muslim perpetrators. They left their homestead due to intended attack on them at any time. It is learnt that some perpetrators namely Jafar, Seraj, Younus, Saiful, Ripon, Sabuj, Selim, Nasir and more 20-22 miscreants were regularly collecting illegal money from 20 to 22 Hindu families. If they refuse to pay money to miscreants then repression and threat starts. It is also confirmed that the miscreants had already realized Taka 45,000/- from Netai Das of village Keramatia. They also kidnapped a minority school girl of Class VIII of Mangal Kandi High School as those Hindu families refused to pay tax. Later on the victim girl was recovered on payment of Taka 15,000/-. They also kidnapped a daughter of Balaram Das at the same village and tried to rape her without her consent, later on victim daughter was recovered on payments of Taka 25,000/-. They also attacked many times on the house of Raju Das and broken utensils and tried to abduct women for illegal purpose. Younus –a noted criminal declared openly that he would marry a Hindu girl of Kali Bari who was reading Class VIII in Mongal Kandi High School. No remedial measures were taken by the local administration and police for their safety and security and as such most of minority victims of the locality took shelter at the houses of their relatives leaving behind their ancestral landed properties.
Day by day minority oppression is going to alarming. But, our government duties have not functions for the safety of minorities. Why they are not to do something to stop minority torture we don’t know? But, we have been seeing that most of the perpetrators with linked with ruling party. Peoples are thinking that, present government may be showing ‘Chamok’ also minority’s issues. That we have seen in Cabinet and central committee of Bangladersh Awami League. We want to say clearly that, peoples are not wanted to see ‘Chamok’, but they want to see peace and happiness. 10-9-2009Editor, the Human Rights Today

Saturday, August 8, 2009

International Indigenous day and Indigenous community of Bangladesh


By Jahangir Alam Akash, Today (9th August) is International Indigenous Day. Indigenous community has facing many problems in Bangladesh. Still the indigenous are not recognize by the constitution. Every day the indigenous are tortured by majority Muslims. They are grabbing the land of indigenous. Indigenous women and girl are rape by Muslim majority. On the other hand, also state tortures have for indigenous. Various indigenous tribes, including Hajong, Choch, Bonai, Tripura, Marma, Chakma, Garo, Santal, Urao, Munda, Khashia, Manipuri, Khoang, Lushai, Bom and Rajbongshi have in Bangladesh. At least 45 indigenous small groups have here. Here mentioned that, as per the UN statistics about 370 million indigenous people now live in 37 countries through over the world.
The constitution does not give proper identity to the indigenous peoples. This is Bangladesh! We demand that these persecutions stop right now and that the government give all rights due to the indigenous groups and bring the perpetrators to justice. Only for poverty and socio-economic condition, proper development, empowerment, economic freedom and human rights have not yet been ensured for indigenous. Though, some NGO have been cheating with indigenous peoples in the name of indigenous community development. Every year they (NGO) are getting huge Dollars or EURO from foreign country for the development of indigenous. But, maximum amount goes to the non democratic NGO high officials, alleged that.
Indigenous children’s have no rights for education. 1, 50,000 indigenous children’s have been not getting their educational rights in Bangladesh. Northern part of Bangladesh were started some private primary education center with indigenous own language from few years ago. But, without proper patronization these centers have been going with very bad conditions. Every year have attack to the poor indigenous in Rajshahi region with ‘Kalajor’ (one kinds of fever). At least 30 indigenous peoples were died by the ‘Kalajor’ in northern part of Bangladesh. The children’s of indigenous are facing for nutrition.
Day by day the indigenous are become landless. Now indigenous landless has increased from 20 percent to 95 percent. In Bangladesh has no accurate statistics about indigenous peoples. Only in northern part of Bangladesh have 15, 00000 (15 lac) indigenous peoples. But, as per government (in 1991) sources in Bangladesh have 3, 14300 indigenous peoples. In 16 district of northern part of Bangladesh have Santal, Orao, Munda, Mahato, Malo, Paharia, Malpaharia, Kol Kamar, Bhuimali, Mahali, Turi, Rajwar, Rajbongshi, Koch, Gorat, Bhuia, Chai, Baichani, Dohora, Patni, Hari, Ghatoal, Bagti, Dusat, Chral, Lohora, Bhumiz, Anguar Rajoer, Betia, Nuniapahari etc small cast indigenous.
In 1998, an indigenous leader, Alfred Soren, was brutally killed by those in power. The day of the attack, the perpetrators looted his house, destroyed his belongings, and set the house on fire. Until now, his family members and the public have never seen the light of justice. Not only that, still the peoples has very fearing at Indigenous village under Mohadevpur police station in Naogaon district in Bangladesh. Alfred Soren was lived in here (Indigenous village or Sarderpara). Still the influentials have giving threat to the sister and brother of Soren.
Cholesh Richil, an indigenous Christian leader, died in custody on March 18, 2007, following brutal torture at the hands of the army. Richil’s civil rights were grossly violated by government agents. It is puzzling why the government has not yet made a proper investigation to unearth the mystery behind this leader’s death. The perpetrators of this crime should not have impunity. The killing of Richil has not been filed as a criminal case to date. An ill-fated ten-year-old indigenous child, Klanto Chiham, was killed after being tortured at Maymansingh. A dacoit, or robber, killed a Christian school teacher, Maymenshing at Madhupur in Tangail.
Cholesh Richil was a courageous Indigenous leader. But, he was brutally killed. He was the president of ‘Track driver Association’ of Telki unit in Tangail district in Bangladesh. In that time Bangladesh was under emergency. On 18th March, 2007 Richil was arrested by joined force led by Army from Madhupur, Tangail. After arresting he was tortured brutally and dead. On 20th March of 2001 another indigenous Geetida Rema was killed. But still hadn’t published her killing investigation report.
Indigenous community members Biher Nokrek, Nintonath Hadeema, Piren Sanal, Sentu Sanal, and Odhir were killed in Madhupur. A sensational kidnapped history of Kalpana Chakma is well known to the country men. Still haven’t completed the indigenous killings, raping, kidnapping and laned grabbing. No investigation of tea worker Obinash Mura murder in Moulovibazar.
Actually, the indigenous peoples have no human rights in Bangladesh. They are living without god health, education, food, clothes and housing. But, they are troubled by Muslim majority, sometimes influential political as well as state. An indigenous woman Andrina Murmu living at Joykrishnopur vollage at Godagari in Rajshahi told, indigenous Santal are very poor. For money problem indigenous peoples have no senatary latrin. Jamuna Rani (23) said, ws as an indigenous want to see Television and hear to Radio. But we have no opportinuty for Radio-TV. On the other hand, there are no indigenous dramas, cinema in Bangladeshi TV-Radio.
In 2006 as a journalist I was visited an indigenous village at Godagari in Rajshahi in Bangladesh. Joykrishnapur is a small village. Here 600 indigenous are living. 200 indigenous voters have here. Though, in this village was decliared by the local administration as a 100 percent sanitary latrin using village. But, here have only 5 senitary latrin using houses. For whole villagers have only one tubwell. No school or health center has in this village. Aged indigenous villagers Lalon Hemrom told that, once upon a time had many land of ours. But, now we have no land. I asked him, what happened? Then he told, our lands were grabbed by influentials. In this village have some government ponds. We were used these and we took fishes from the ponds. But, now administration is giving lease these to the rich Muslim peoples.
Agriculture worker Sajoni Baski (55) said, government has not to do anything for us. We don’t want anything from local Chairman and Member of Parliament (MP). Because, we were want from them many times. But they didn’t give us anything. They were gave us only hope. Another agriculture worker Sumitra Murmu (26) told, we are working equal both man and woman. But, we haven’t got equal wages.
Vimpur Sarderpara is an indigenous village of northern part of Bangladesh. Vimpur is under Naogaon district. Here were lived 19 indigenous families. On 18th August, 2000 a group of armed terrorists were attacked this village. They were killed indigenous leader Alfred Soren. Local political influential’s grabbed their (indigenous) lands and killed Alfred, burned their houses, ransacked and looted indigenous houses. In this attacked at least 25 indigenous man, woman and children were seriously injured. After that attacked five indigenous families were flown from Vimpur. Now, 14 families are living here. After this attack a case has been filed to the local Mohadevpur police station.
In Bangladesh common practice and culture is impunity. From long time have been going this. So, the killers of Vimpur also have getting impunity by the state. An indigenous woman from Vimpur Anjona Rani told that, ‘we are not getting justice. The world is of bribe. Nobody isn’t hear the words of poor. Alfred was a leader. Though hasn’t trial to his killers. If another indigenous would be killed then what happened? Still we are in threat. Every time, we have been getting threat from the known killers.’
At Vimpur total land is 275 Bigha (3 bigha=1 acars). Out of 275 bigha lands 120 bigha lands was positioned of indigenous. Rests of lands were positioned of landlords Schitesh, Hatem and Godai. After 18th August attacked the landlords were got all lands in their positioned. Now, only 14 bigha lands are positioned under indigenous peoples. The known killers are giving death threat to Rebeka Soren; she is the sisters of killed indigenous leader Alfred Soren.
Rang Lai Mro is the head of a community of Indigenous Mro people in the CHT, in the south-east of Bangladesh. He was arrested in February 2007, charged with possessing a pistol without a license. Four months later he was sentenced to 17 years' imprisonment for the offence, though his lawyers informed the court that his pistol was licensed. After his arrest he was severely beaten by army officers in custody at the local army headquarters, Bandarban Cantonment. This torture has never been investigated.
In Bangladesh have many NGO working for the protecting the rights of Indigenous. In spite of indigenous community day by day have been going to more and more vulnerable condition. In Bangladesh have been increasing indigenous organization and leader like fog umbrella. But have not to change or any real development for indigenous community in Bangladesh. Actually, everywhere from top to bottom have no accountability, democracy, honesty, responsibility in Bangladesh.
In Bangladesh, the brutal persecution of the indigenous ethnic minorities is going ahead full steam. Until now, the persecution faced never saw the light of justice. A culture of the denial of justice in Bangladesh is the root of all the persecution against the ethnic and religious minorities, which isn't only affecting a part of the country, but is plaguing the entire criminal justice system in Bangladesh.
Honorable Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina told that, the present government wants to work together with others for implementation of the UN Declaration on the Rights of the Indigenous People. She recalled the contribution of the indigenous people in the country's struggle for independence. "It is our duty to ensure that the indigenous people can live with equal dignity like others upholding their identities," Hasina said. The government is pledge-bound to take special measures for the indigenous people, she said. Special programmes have been taken for their economic development, Hasina added. Besides, effective steps have been taken for implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Treaty signed during the tenure of the Awami League government in 1997, the premier said. (Source: the daily Star).
We have demand to the government; preserved constituencies for the indigenous people in national parliament have been demanded for the socio-economic development and for establishing basic rights of them. But, we don’t have thought that only enough over the demand fulfill by the government. If really we have wanted to see indigenous community’s actual development, economic and political as well as constitutional empowerment then should essential actual democracy, accountability. In spite of, at first Constitutional reorganization is very essential for indigenous. We do believe that, the Prime Minister told from her heart and her government will do these which she mentioned. 9.9.2009
Editor, the Human Rights Today

Thursday, August 6, 2009

Minority and indigenous peoples have living very vulnerable situation in Bangladesh


By Jahangir Alam Akash
Minority and indigenous peoples have living very vulnerable situation in Bangladesh. Actually they are not getting constitutional rights. Bangladesh has got independence since 1971. After independence the peoples was got good constitution which was made in 1972. But after the killings of the nation Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman peoples of Bangladesh has lost this constitution. Army men especially General Ziaur Rahman and General HM Ershad were broken our constitution. And then, put Islam in the constitution by arm force. Still we have been carrying the black spot.In Bangladesh the brutal persecution on the religious Christian minority and ethnic Indigenous are rolling on in a stream roller mode. Until now the persecution that the both community faced never saw that light of justice. The culture of justice denial is the root of all persecution on the ethnic and religious minorities and it’s not the partial but a whole part of criminal justice system in Bangladesh.The General Zia and his ancestors introduced the persecution on the minorities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh was blessed with the Islamization by the mechanism under military regime in absence of parliamentarian democracy. Bangladesh was not born with blessings to be communal but with a spirit of Islamization but a secular policy. The attack on the religious minority bring with the idea of “Islam in the constitution”.The communal spirit began with the political motive and end with mass destruction such as attack on present prime minister S Hasina Wazed back in the year 2001. The victims of the brutal attack are still looking forward for justice. At the Baniar chor catholic church in moksedpur of Goplagonj, at that time Bomb attack 10 were killed and 20 others were badly injured.In 1998 an indigenous leader Alfred Soren was killed brutally by the vested quarter. In the day of the attack the perpetrators fired the house and looted the house and demolished the belongings. Until now the people and family members never have seen the light of the Justice. Richil died in custody on March 18, 2007 following Army brutal torture. Richil’s civil rights were grossly violated by government’s agent. It puzzles us why the government has not yet made proper investigation to unearth the mystery behind the tribal leader’s death. The perpetrators of this crime should not receive impunity. The killing of Choles is not filled as case until now. The minor in minority the converted Christian from Islam Dr.Goni Gomes was killed by the Islamic militant.In midst of 1979 to 1981 the indigenous people become cornered by the main land landless people in process of their rehabilitation by the government. The child klanto chiham was killed who was a ill fated 10 years old indigenous child killed by the brutal teachers after torture at Maymansingh . The dacoit killed a Christian school teacher Mangsang at Madhupur in Tangail.The constitution did not give proper identity to the indigenous peoples. This is Bangladesh! We demand that these persecutions should stop right now and government should give all rights to them and bring the perpetrators under law. In Bangalee Indigenous peoples has not recognize our constitution.Now Bangladesh Awami League (BAL) in power of Bangladesh. BAL was led our independence fought. So, peoples hope that present government should clean the black spot from our constitution and they rein stead of the constitution of 1972. We hope, this government should do constitutional zed of our minority and Indigenous peoples rights.If the government wants to do something for minority community then it’s not a matter for them. But for this should need real wish and fresh good plan. So, we want to see rule of law, secularism and the equality everywhere in Bangladesh which will be implement by the government.
Islamization minority oppression and peace in Bangladesh
By Jahangir Alam AkashIn Bangladesh crime against humanity is very popular form. Especially, the crime has been happening on the minorities. Almost every day minority peoples are going to our neighbor country India. Women and young women of minorities are always feared for their security.Peace, good governance, rule of law and actual democracy is a golden dear in Bangladesh. Almost every day perpetrators are getting impunity from the state. As a result, day by day has increasing all kinds of bad activity in my dear Bangladesh. In the same time, increase communalism very speedily. And our religious minorities are sufferings very badly.Majority Muslims are occupying their land, torturing them and rape minority women. It is common practice. Everything has been happening in front of the eyes of government. Though, our present ruling party men al times telling that, they are non communal. But, they felt to stop the minority oppression. Still in Bangladesh has happening minority torture.We see from the media that, ruling party men are grabbed land of minority’s. The peoples of Bangladesh have not forgotten the minority oppression after the general election of 2001. It is true that, grievous troubled was faced our minority peoples in BNP-Jammat-E-Islam alliance government regime from 2001 to 2006. In that period of BNP-Jammat ruling political party men were made violence, killings, gang rapes and destruction on the minorities.After nine months freedom fight was born Bangladesh. And then confirmed four main components for the nation name democracy nationalism, secularism and socialism. With an almost good constitution Bangladesh had started go to in front way. Though, that constitution was not recognizing our indigenous community. Still indigenous peoples are not recognizing by the constitution.But, within four years was breakdown and to stooped our first constitution by the national and international conspiracies with the help of anti liberation force. Present government has owned by absolute majority. If they want then it’s no matter for reestablish of the 1972 constitution. But the government has passed seven months; still they don’t have taken any measure.The minorities of Bangladesh have witnessed large-scale violence, cultural genocide and discrimination and bias at the hands of all the successive governments in perpetual order. Having lost 30 million people, 2 and half million acres of land, hundreds of homicides, vandalisation of more than 25,000 units of minority property, scores of organized gang rapes, state sponsored violence against women and children of the minority community have been witnessed in the state of Bangladesh.Under the gross plane of Islamization the preamble of the constitution of Bangladesh has been amended with the words “pledging that the high ideals of absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah…” and in the process the word “secularism” has been dropped. The constitution, in fact, makes its beginning with the words Bismillah-ar-rahman-ar-rahim. In Bangladesh, everywhere has completing Islamization. So, always minorities are target by majority Muslim.In thie situation, we demand that the unconstitutional provision as to the state religion which is vocative of the fundamental principle of the Constitution of Bangladesh shall have to repeal. Bengali nationalism and secularism shall have to be re-established all activities of discrimination, disparity, arrests, torture, detention and oppression on the member of the religious minorities as well as general peoples shall have to be stopped.We want repeal 5th and 8th amendments of the Constitution. We don’t want a religious state, we want a secular state. We want the re-establishment of a secular and democratic state bereft of all disparities on the basis of Bengali Nationalism in the light of the four fundamental state principles which constitute the basic consciousness of the War of Liberation. And it was a great dream of father of the nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We want equal rights in all spheres of life including defense, foreign affairs, government administration, government controlled institutions, state policy making bodies, industries and commerce. We believe that after all, without equal and balance and with inequality as a Bangalee we never can say that we are civilized nation. So, in the state everywhere should established accountability, rule of law, good governance, and actual practice of democracy.We want more that fulfill all the legitimate demands of the aboriginal and tribal communities including preservation of their own culture and heritage and implement CHT peace Treaty. Implement vested property return act with the provision of inheritance. We want resist communalism, fundamentalism and fanaticism, should stop all kinds of religious discrimination, deprivation atrocities, persecution and harassment.Lastly we want to say and we want demand that government immediately form a public enquiry committee for investigate of all kinds of minority oppression, harassment, loot-grabbing, rape, gang rape and also all kinds of human rights violation since independence. And only investigate is not enough, we think that those who are involved with minority oppression and human rights violation should give exemplary punishment to them. Otherwise never could to establish rule of law. If government want to do these then firstly should want re-established of our constitution 1972. Secondly immediately should finish the trial of war criminal, jail murder case and Bangabondhu murder case and should give punished to the accused. As well as, should need to stop strictly to the Islamic militant. Otherwise we have no alternative in front of us for establishing to peace and happiness. 2.8.2009
Now Minority murder in Bangladesh
By Jahangir Alam Akash: Minority murder, raping and their land grabbing has starting massively in Bangladesh. As a Bangalee we can’t believe the daughter of Bangabondhu is enemy of minority community. But, in practically we seeing that her government has not stop the minority repression. It is very strength for us. Still we hope, immediately government should taken measure to protect the minority indigenous community and also general peoples in Bangladesh.From Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer and human rights personality sent me a message on 3rd August, 2009 with published news clipping about minority killings. The news is very alarming for minority community as well as every citizen. On 1st July at night a Hindu destitute boy was abducted and murdered under Mirzapur police station at Tangail district. Murderers confessed. (The Daily Ittefaq dated 02.08.2009).Assailants confessed their guilt with regard to murder of Ashish Sarkar (25) son of Madhav Sarkar of Mirzapur Upazila-Tangail district. Father of Ashish is a day labour. Arrested assailants identified as – (a) Nazim (35) son of Sona Meah (b) Faruque (27) son of Tara Meah (c) Ali Hussain (25) son of Abul Hossain(d) Faruque (28) son of Badar Uddin (e) Abdus Sattar (33) son of Abbas Meah of Baisham Para of Tangail district.Five Assailants abducted Ashish Sarkar for capturing his motor cycle on 1 July, 2009 and brutally murdered Ashish, put his dead body in a pond covered by a jute-bag. Police recovered his dead body since after five days of murder, but they could not find out the motor cycle till then. As per confessional statements made by the assailants ultimately police recovered the motor cycle from the house of Abdus Sattar on Saturday last on 1 Aug,’ 09. The bereaved destitute family is in distress and demanded exemplary punishment of the murderers.On the other hand, Hindu Goddess –Kali Murthi demolished and desecrated atMymensingh. An allegation received from Puja Ujjapan Committee of Valuka Upazila in Mymensingh district. They told that Kali Murthi (Hindu deities) belongs to Aswani Barman of village –Paragao Pachpai was attacked, demolished and desecrated by some perpetrators at night on Thursday last. Local police and leaders of Puja Ujjapann Committee visited the spot. The local Kuch-Hindu community demanded exemplary punishment of perpetrators responsible for the attack. Source: The daily Samakal.Another Hindu businessman named Sumon Goala (25) was abducted and murdered at Pearpur –Jamalpur Sadar on 2nd part of June, 2009 (The daily Sangbad dated 2nd July, 2009). Some unidentified persons abducted Sumon Goala (25) and killed him and kept the dead body in a jute field. Police on 30th June, 2009 recovered the dead body tied under ropes. The dead is identified as Sumon Goala – a Hindu businessman of the locality. But perpetrators responsible for such murder were not arrested till date. Source: The daily Sangbad through Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, President -Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW). (See more about minority torture: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=902).Why Minority and Indigenous repression in Bangladesh still continuing?By Jahangir Alam Akash: Minority repression and extra judicial killings has not stopped in Bangladesh. Minority repression is a common feature in Bangladesh. Almost every day here happening minority torture. Ms.Radha Rani Halder (28) in Shoriotpur was gang raped recently. We knew our great patriotic journalist Manik Saha was killed by bomb attacked in 2004. Another honest journalist Diponker Chakraborty from Bogura was killed by terrorists. From Faridpur promising journalist Goutam Saha was killed. Principle Gopal Krishna Muhury was killed by gun shoot. As a Bangalee peoples everybody knows Purnima gang raped of in Sirajgonj. And it was the preplanned incidents. No actual investigation has happed and still not give punish to perpetrators of at least 15 indigenous community leader including Alfred Soren, Choles Richil murderer.(See:http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=865).We know in Bangladesh has no actual democracy, rule of law, education. Most of the peoples are living very poor situation. Gross problem is that, constitutionally Islam is the only one religion. But, in Bangladesh have living Muslim, Hindus, Christians and Buddhist. Though, we had got secular constitution after independence led by father of the nation Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the killings of Bongobondhu, General Zia and General Ershad were broken the main constitution.This is Latest incidents of minority repression in Bangladesh. Perpetrators attacked four Hindu families, vandalized their deities while attackers tried to occupy cremation ground belonging to Hindus on 3rd July, 09 at Palash Upazila of Narsingdi District. 10 persons including women and children were seriously injured due to abrupt attack. On last Saturday night this unfortunate incident occurred at the houses of Dhirendra and Monindra Chandra Barman at village–Charsindhu. At the relevant time the perpetrators destroyed and thrown away building materials into deep river kept for construction of cremation ground. The injured persons are reported to be a) Dhirendra Chandra Barman, b) Ms.Anjali Rani Barman, c) Ms.Niyati Rani Barman, d) Ms.Hinruni Barman, e) Sunil Chandra Barman, f) Kalu Chandra Barman, g) Monindra Chandra Barman, h) Monindra Chandra Barman.Two victims have been admitted to local Hospital as their conditions are reported to be precarious. On Saturday last local 15-16 land grabbers with the leadership of Joynal, Ismail and Babul armed with deadly weapons attacked the religious places of Hindus, looted cash, gold ornaments, and mobile sets worth Taka 1,50,000/- and destroyed building materials kept for reconstruction of cremation ground. It is also alleged that the local Member of Parliament -Anwar Ashrab inaugurated foundation stone for the religious place belonging to Priyatosh and Nikhil Barman on 15th July, 09 and thereafter the organizers started construction of cremation ground for Hindus. Local Police deployed and as a result constant anxiety prevailing amongst the Hindus. Local Upazilla Chairman Fakrul Islam, ASP Circle and other Awami League leaders visited the spot. Police was arrested one person involved.We hope that, present government should take immediate action against minority and indigenous persecution. And our demands is that, should punished the all perpetrators. But why, now there is a Democratic government have. So, what and where is the problem to stop minority torture and extra judicial killings? Please let us to be united and fight and presser to the present government for stop minority repression and state torture. Otherwise, minority torture and state torture will not stop.On the other hand, On 26-27 July, 2009 over two hundred members of the indigenous community two-day long march were finished in Naogaon town to protest attacks on indigenous families.The march was organised under the banner of Jatiya Adibashi Parishad (JAP) after a gang led by Nur Hosssain Master of Soraigachhi attacked the houses of some 74 families including 54 indigenous families at Katirpur on June 12. They torched, damaged and looted the houses and also randomly beat up indigenous men, women and children during the attack.Since the attack, some 300 members of the affected families have been left without homes, and the local administration has not come forward to help them, the protesters allege. On the first day yesterday, the protesters walked some 30 kilometres from Soraigachhi in Porsha to Mohadevpur upazila sadar. They will be joined by 300 more people this morning as they begin the march to Naogaon town. At Naogaon they will submit a memorandum to the local administration. The protesters are carrying traditional bows and arrows to show that they will fight for their demands for security and protection of their ancestral lands, JAP leaders said.They have meanwhile placed forward a nine-point demand which include demands for their rights and security, the arrest of Nur Hossain Master and his accomplices and the removal of the officer-in-charge of Porsha police station as the OC, they allege, is joining hands with the land grabbers.Their demands also include constitutional recognition, formation of a land commission and a separate ministry for plain land indigenous people.Why still in Bangladesh have been going minority and indigenous repression? Bangladesh Awami League has now in power. Always they are getting the vote of minority and indigenous without some extra cases. We have passed 38 years from our independence.Why still going minority repression in Bangladesh?
By Jahangir Alam Akash: Why still in Bangladesh have been going minority and indigenous repression? Bangladesh Awami League has now in power. Always they are getting the vote of minority and indigenous without some extra cases. We have passed 38 years from our independence.
Minority repression and extra judicial killings has not stop in Bangladesh. Minority repression is a common feature in Bangladesh. Almost every day here happening minority torture. Ms.Radha Rani Halder (28) in Shoriotpur was gang raped recently. We knew our great patriotic journalist Manik Saha was killed by bomb attacked in 2004. Another honest journalist Diponker Chakraborty from Bogura was killed by terrorists. From Faridpur promising journalist Goutam Saha was killed. Principle Gopal Krishna Muhury was killed by gun shoot. As a Bangalee peoples everybody knows Purnima gang raped of in Sirajgonj. And it was the preplanned incidents. No actual investigation has happed and still not give punish to perpetrators of at least 15 indigenous community leader including Alfred Soren, Choles Richil murderer. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=865)We know in Bangladesh has no actual democracy, rule of law, education. Most of the peoples are living very poor situation. Gross problem is that, constitutionally Islam is the only one religion. But, in Bangladesh have living Muslim, Hindus, Christians and Buddhist. Though, we had got secular constitution after independence led by father of the nation Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the killings of Bongobondhu, General Zia and General Ershad were broken the main constitution.This is Latest incidents of minority repression in Bangladesh. Advocate Robindra Ghosh write, Perpetrators attacked four Hindu families, vandalized their deities while attackers tried to occupy cremation ground belonging to Hindus on 3rd July, 09 at Palash Upazila of Narsingdi District. 10 persons including women and children were seriously injured due to abrupt attack. On last Saturday night this unfortunate incident occurred at the houses of Dhirendra and Monindra Chandra Barman at village–Charsindhu. At the relevant time the perpetrators destroyed and thrown away building materials into deep river kept for construction of cremation ground. The injured persons are reported to be a) Dhirendra Chandra Barman, b) Ms.Anjali Rani Barman, c) Ms.Niyati Rani Barman, d) Ms.Hinruni Barman, e) Sunil Chandra Barman, f) Kalu Chandra Barman, g) Monindra Chandra Barman, h) Monindra Chandra Barman. Two victims have been admitted to local Hospital as their conditions are reported to be precarious. On Saturday last local 15-16 land grabbers with the leadership of Joynal, Ismail and Babul armed with deadly weapons attacked the religious places of Hindus, looted cash, gold ornaments, and mobile sets worth Taka 1,50,000/- and destroyed building materials kept for reconstruction of cremation ground. It is also alleged that the local Member of Parliament – Anwar Ashrab inaugurated foundation stone for the religious place belonging to Priyatosh and Nikhil Barman on 15th July, 09 and thereafter the organisers started construction of cremation ground for Hindus. Local Police deployed and as a result constant anxiety prevailing amongst the Hindus. Local Upazilla Chairman Fakrul Islam, ASP Circle and other Awami League leaders visited the spot. Police was arrested one person involved.We hope that, present government should take immediate action against minority and indigenous persecution. And our demands is that, should punished the all perpetrators. But why, now there is a Democratic government have. So, what and where is the problem to stop minority torture and extra judicial killings? Please let us to be united and fight and presser to the present government for stop minority repression and state torture. Otherwise, minority torture and state torture will not stop.On 16th July, 2009 some miscreants stolen valuables and desecrated Kali Temple demolishing the deity at Raroa Kali Temple at Gopalpur within Sherpur Upazila of Bogra District of Bangladesh. In this connection a case lodged at Sherpur police station. It is alleged that on 16th July,2009 night some unknown miscreants with bad intention broke open the iron- grill of the temple, cut the head of Kali Murthi, desecrated the deity and stolen valuable ornaments valued at Taka 6,000/- . Md.Amirul Islam- Officer-in-Charge of Sherpur Police station speculated that some addicted persons might have committed this incident at night. Source: The daily “Bhorer Kagaj” dated, 20 July, 2009.We are hopefully waiting for fulfill the constitutional rights of minority and indigenous community in the present government time. We also do hope that, government should stopped minority and indigenous oppression. Recently, the Islamic groups in Dinajpur were tryied to grab the land of ancient ‘Kantojew Temple’ with the help of local administration. 6-8-2009.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

State confession regarding Islamic militancy!!!


By Jahangir Alam Akash: Now it is very clear that Bangladesh has one of the main Asian country where everyday cultivated Islamic militancy. From the government side have been clarify its. Government says in Bangladesh have Islamic militancy and ‘Militancy is a reality’. Here is no doubt. It is true like daylight.
State Minister for Home Affairs of Bangladesh Shamsul Haque Tuku on 4th August, 2009 said peoples are not safe in the country now, no matter if they are on foot or in a car. "We all are under the watch of militants; it is the reality," the state minister said while inaugurating Sher-e-Bangla Nagar Police Station in the city. (Source: the daily Star).
Mr. Tuku told that, militancy is attacking to the existence of the country. Only for the activity of militant, war criminals and anti liberation force we are in very risk. They are taking to Bangladesh and going to worse situation. (Source: the daily Sangbad).
State Minister Tuku called on the people to stand united with the law enforcers to root out militancy from the country. He also said the government would take every measure to strengthen the hands of law enforcers to improve law and order in the country. Though, dear state Minister didn’t said that Bangladesh is a fully Islamized as the direction of constitution. And when the constitution of 1972 will be reestablish, he also didn’t say anything about it.
We believe that, after the killings father of the nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, militancy was institutionalized here. And from last long 34 years Islamic militants are grown up by the state patron. Especially the regime of BNP-Jammat government militancy increase massively.
That government directly patronized to militancy. Many Minister and MP’s of BNP-Jammat government support them. Police also gave the security for militant. Sometimes, in front of the police militants were killed and tortured to the people. Now, militancy is biggest problem in Bangladesh. They are trying to kill very popular present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, sources said.
From 1999 to till at least 176 peoples were killed and about 1500 peoples were injured killed by Islamic militant in Bangladesh. Including were journalist, famous politician, lawyer, and judge with the killings list. The militant were attacked our Bangalee culture and secular force.
The daily Amader Shomoy writes that, the banned Islamic militant organization Jamatul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB) has taken plan for kills to home Minister Advocate Sahara Khatun, law Minister Baristrar Shafiq Ahmed, education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid and foreign Minister Dr. Dipumuny. Sources said, in this connection on 27th July, 2009 director of Prime Minister Office Mahmudur Rahman sent a letter to the home ministry.
JMB again reorganize countrywide. In this situation government has taken some measurement. Already a security law was passed for protection of the family members of Bangabondhu. Securities have increased for VIP and VVIP’s.
Another sources said that, still in Bangladesh 125 Islamic militant organization have active. And in behind these organization have been working war criminals and anti liberation force.
Important news is that, former British high commissioner to Bangladesh Anwar Choudhury told, "As you remember, we supported a free, fair and safe election as soon as possible. The roadmap published by the interim government showed it couldn't be done because of the fair amount of time that was required...That is, what we always supported is something we've said for 40 years for Bangladesh to become a democratic, stable and prosperous country," He told these with the journalists on 4th August, 2009.
He said, "What were happening in Bangladesh were the decisions of Bangladeshi people. It is because of the internal mechanism and politics of Bangladesh. Our position has always been clear as you will see it time and again. We did not, and we do not, interfere into the internal dynamics of Bangladesh." "We want to see a strong representation and leadership from Bangladesh. We think Bangladesh has a chance to lead the adaptation field and negotiate the deals for the countries that have been affected," he said. Street violence and killings led to the declaration of the state of emergency, he added.
Actually, Bangladesh has now identified with world as a danger place only for Islamic militancy। So, state Minister told the truth. We do believe that, without actual democracy, rule of law, good governance, and accountability peace couldn’t establish as well as couldn’t combat Islamic militancy. So, if the present government really wants to combat militancy then should go back in the constitution of 1972. And government should practice with real democracy, rule of law, accountability and good governance. Otherwise Bangladesh will goes to darker place in coming days. So, be aware, now.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xzaCRYCkqs (BIHR part-1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BthGnl-WEGo (BIHR part-2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnyyJHp3ET0 (BIHR part-3)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHqyDmeLpvc (Unbearable time part-1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9P1mZ7zKww (Unbearable time part-2)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qis3lwvtRi4 (Extra judicial killings-Maznu)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-RF1LnIao (Minority killings)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqR-hfp_Z3c (Islamic militancy-5 Badsha)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVcacTePIEw (Islamic militancy, crossfire -6 Major Rashid)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFcWErPEDNQ (Islamic militancy-4 Bashar)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVsWw6ScBak (Islamic militancy-1 Khejur)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hgy1UcDBeY (Islamic militancy-2 Rabeya)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jt1ZvhxonM (Islamic militancy-3 Mother of Zia)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8BIxX1eiHM (Islamic militancy-1 MP Ishrafil)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2INo1mlgq7g (Malay sir interview)

Now Minority murder in Bangladesh!!!


By Jahangir Alam Akash: Minority murder, raping and their land grabbing has starting massively in Bangladesh. As a Bangalee we can’t believe the daughter of Bangabondhu is enemy of minority community. But, in practically we seeing that her government has not stop the minority repression. It is very strength for us. Still we hope, immediately government should taken measure to protect the minority indigenous community and also general peoples in Bangladesh.From Bangladesh Supreme Court lawyer and human rights personality sent me a message on 3rd August, 2009 with published news clipping about minority killings. The news is very alarming for minority community as well as every citizen. On 1st July at night a Hindu destitute boy was abducted and murdered under Mirzapur police station at Tangail district. Murderers confessed. (The Daily Ittefaq dated 02.08.2009).Assailants confessed their guilt with regard to murder of Ashish Sarkar (25) son of Madhav Sarkar of Mirzapur Upazila-Tangail district. Father of Ashish is a day labour. Arrested assailants identified as – (a) Nazim (35) son of Sona Meah (b) Faruque (27) son of Tara Meah (c) Ali Hussain (25) son of Abul Hossain(d) Faruque (28) son of Badar Uddin (e) Abdus Sattar (33) son of Abbas Meah of Baisham Para of Tangail district.Five Assailants abducted Ashish Sarkar for capturing his motor cycle on 1 July, 2009 and brutally murdered Ashish, put his dead body in a pond covered by a jute-bag. Police recovered his dead body since after five days of murder, but they could not find out the motor cycle till then. As per confessional statements made by the assailants ultimately police recovered the motor cycle from the house of Abdus Sattar on Saturday last on 1 Aug,’ 09. The bereaved destitute family is in distress and demanded exemplary punishment of the murderers.On the other hand, Hindu Goddess –Kali Murthi demolished and desecrated atMymensingh. An allegation received from Puja Ujjapan Committee of Valuka Upazila in Mymensingh district. They told that Kali Murthi (Hindu deities) belongs to Aswani Barman of village –Paragao Pachpai was attacked, demolished and desecrated by some perpetrators at night on Thursday last. Local police and leaders of Puja Ujjapann Committee visited the spot. The local Kuch-Hindu community demanded exemplary punishment of perpetrators responsible for the attack. Source: The daily Samakal.Another Hindu businessman named Sumon Goala (25) was abducted and murdered at Pearpur –Jamalpur Sadar on 2nd part of June, 2009 (The daily Sangbad dated 2nd July, 2009). Some unidentified persons abducted Sumon Goala (25) and killed him and kept the dead body in a jute field. Police on 30th June, 2009 recovered the dead body tied under ropes. The dead is identified as Sumon Goala – a Hindu businessman of the locality. But perpetrators responsible for such murder were not arrested till date. Source: The daily Sangbad through Advocate Rabindra Ghosh, President -Bangladesh Minority Watch (BDMW). (See more about minority torture: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=902).Writer: Editor of the Human Rights Today.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Minority-indigenous torture and Islamic militancy grownup in Bangladesh


By Jahangir Alam Akash: Bangladesh has multiple problems. Minority-indigenous peoples, BDR men and accused terrorists have no rights to live in Bangladesh. We had hoped that, present government will taken measure to stop these. And the government established a torture free, lawful and equal society give us. But, now our hoping is decreasing day by day. Government actually felt to cover billed up good governance and rule of law.
In Bangladesh one side is going extra judicial killings by the state and another side has been massively going minority and indigenous repression. In the same time, one after another BDR men has dead unnaturally. Islamic militancy has grown up every day with new dye mention.
Again an indigenous woman was raped in Bangladesh. Some days before one Hindu minority women was killed after gang raped. Victim of rape on 31st July, 2009 afternoon, a physically challenged indigenous girl is fighting for life at Khagrachari Adhunik Sadar Hospital. The alleged rapist is identified as Mohammad Nazrul Islam, 25 a staff of a national NGO and a resident of Fatikchari in Chittagong district. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=865).

Bangladeshi English newspaper the daily Star writes, on 31st July afternoon, the girl was alone at her house at Baradom village under Dighinala Upazila in Khagrachhari district when Nazrul entered there in the name of drinking water, Dighinalla police said. After violating the physically and mentally challenged girl, Nazrul run away, leaving her seriously injured, police said. Locals rushed her too Dighinala Upazila Heallth Complex from where she was referred to Khagrachari Adhunik Sadar Hospital, Dighinala; police station Officer-in-Charge Subash Chandra Pal, said. “A case was filed accusing Nazrul Isllam and I have raided several places with my police force to arrest the culprit, “he said. (Please watch minority torture: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-RF1LnIao)
The victim is under special care as her condition is critical, said Dr. Mohammad Rafiq of Khagrachhari Adhhunik Sadar Hospital. Hill women’s federation leaders in a protest meeting at Muktamanchha in Khagrachari town yesterday demanded arrest and punishment of the culprit. Earlier hundreds of activists of Hill Women’s Federation brought out protest procession that paraded the main roads of Khagrachari town.
In Bangladesh, a Hindu housewife Anguri Biswas (23) was abductedforcefully and taken to other places for killing or for trafficking on 2nd July, 2009 at Rajoir in Madaripur district. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=871). Another Hindu woman Radha Rani Halder (28) in Shoriotpur was gang raped recently. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=891).
After BDR mutiny many Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) member have been died unnaturally. Allegations have most of the BDR members were dead after torture in custody during interrogation. Another BDR man Habilder M Shahid ullah was dead on 2nd July, 2009. Bangladeshi newspaper the daily Star writes Shahid ullah 'died of chest pain' at the BDR hospital of the Pilkhana headquarters, raising the death toll to 35 since the BDR mutiny on February 25-26. New Market police recovered the body of havilder Mohammad Shahid Ullah, 47, from BDR hospital in the afternoon and sent it to Dhaka Medical College Hospital morgue for autopsy. OC of the police station said Shahid was not accused in the mutiny case.
BDR Public Relations Officer Muhammad Muhasin Reza told that Shahid, hailing from Mithanala village of Mirersarai upazila in Chittagong district, was recently transferred to the mechanical department of the headquarters from the BDR Company in Khulna. SI Abdul Aziz of the police station said they recovered the body following the complaint lodged by another BDR havilder Azadur Rahman. Quoting Azad, SI Aziz said Shahid and Azad were working in the BDR workshop along with their colleagues and at about 8:30am, Shahid complained of chest pain and was soon admitted to the BDR hospital. Shahid died shortly afterwards, Azad added. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=825).
Islamic militancy still in Bangladesh has been grownup. Every day they have changing their strategy. Arrested militants were disclosed this important information. The daily Star writes, Intelligence agencies have come to know about covert activities of an Islamist organization in the country and its close link with the banned outfit Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh. Officials said they have only learnt the name of the new outfit, Jamaat-e-Muslimeen, and its "dawati" (invitational) activities. (Please watch Islamic militancy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVcacTePIEw)
JMB's explosives expert Zahidul Islam Sumon alias "Boma" Mizan disclosed the name and the limited activities of Jamaat-e-Muslimeen to law enforcers during his interrogation at the task force for intelligence cell, they said. Mizan told them that a member of JMB's highest decision-making body Majlish-e-Shura and the outfit's IT wing chief Sayem maintain contact with Jamaat-e-Muslimeen. He also revealed that a few members of the new outfit joined the JMB recently.
However, the law enforcers could not know anything about the leadership and detailed activities of Jamaat-e-Muslimeen from Mizan, but they suspect that the organisation is carrying out invitational activities under the banner of Dawat-e-Islam at different mosques in the capital. "Many JMB members we have arrested in recent times told us that they were members of Dawat-e-Islam and were first inspired in jehadi spirit through its activities. They later joined JMB," said a top official of a law enforcement agency. JMB is responsible for carrying out a number of deadly bomb and grenade attacks including the countrywide synchronized bomb attacks in 2005.
Dawat-e-Islam is on the list of 33 militant organizations the law enforcement agencies have identified either for having direct involvement in militant activities or for suspected involvement in militancy in the country. Apart from JMB, the government has so far banned three other Islamist militant organizations--Harkatul Jihad al Islami, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, and Shahadat-e al Hikma. The other listed outfits are Hizb-ut Towhid, Allahr Dal, Islami Samaj, Al Harat al Islamia, Jama'atul Faliya, Towhidi Janata, Biswa Islami Front, Juma'atul al Sadat, Shahadat-e-Nabuwat, Jama'at-e Yahia al Turat, Jaish-e Mostafa Bangladesh, Al Jihad Bangladesh, Warat Islamic Front, Jamaat-as-Sadat, Al Khidmat, Harkat-e-Islam al Jihad, Hizbullah Islami Samaj, Muslim Millat Sharia Council, World Islamic Front for Jihad, Jaish-e Mohammad, Hizbul Mahadi, Kalemar Dawat, Islami Dawati Kafela, Al Islam Martyrs Brigade, Dawat-e Islam, Tanzim, Hizb e Abu Omar, and Jadid al-Qaeda Bangladesh.
The intelligence official said they have not yet found any link between Bangladesh-based Dawat-e-Islam and the Pakistan-based international Islamic organisation Dawat-e-Islami. Police and Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in a raid on Patharghata area of Chittagong on April 13 held seven members of the Pakistan-based Dawat-e-Islami, which operates in 70 countries, on suspicion of their link with militant activities. During the raid the law enforcers seized nine passports, four computers, one scanner and one printer, CDs and VCDs, booklets and leaflets on the teachings of Islam and some documents. (Please watch Islamic militancy: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hgy1UcDBeY)
Eight days later, a Chittagong court acquitted the detained Dawat-e-Islami members of the charges as police investigation did not find their involvement in militant activities. "Apart from police, officials of a few intelligence agencies interrogated the arrestees but their involvement in any militant activity was not found," Sub-Inspector Swapan Kumar Saha, the investigation officer of the case, told. "We have information that Jamaat-e-Muslimeen and Bangladesh-based Dawat-e-Islam is the same organization," a top Rab official said, adding that they heard the name of Dawat-e-Islam long ago. He said they are now investigating the networks, activities and leadership of Jamaat-e-Muslimeen. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=835).
On the other hand, Law enforcers arrested six members of Harkatul Jihad al Islami on 1st August, 2009 as part of an initiative to track down all accused in different cases filed in connection with grenade and bomb attacks and militant activities in the last one decade. Sources in Rapid Action Battalion said as its intelligence wing had started gathering information on the accused it learnt about the banned militant outfit's attempts to smuggle in arms through Naikhangchhari border in Bandarban. They also learnt that Harkatul Jihad (Huji) was recruiting members.
At a press briefing at the Rab headquarters yesterday the Rab officially disclosed the arrest of the six Huji activists during an overnight raid on areas in the capital and elsewhere in the country. The arrestees are Abul Khair of Manikganj, Maulana Mohammad Musa of Chandpur, Abdul Aziz of Feni, Rezaul Karim and Anwar Uddin Javed of Chakaria in Cox's Bazar, and Abdullah Al Hossain of Banshkhali in Chittagong. Abdul Aziz is a land broker while others are either madrasa teachers or imams of mosques. RAB officials said the Huji men were taken back to the areas where they were arrested and that they will be produced before the courts concerned 2nd August.
The arrestees will also be taken on remand for interrogation about the latest activities of Huji. These six Huji members were among the 41 militants who had been arrested with firearms and grenades at a Huji den in the deep forest of Ukhia in Cox's Bazar on February 19, 1996. Accused in a case filed in this connection, all 41 were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment in 1998. Five of the accused--Abu Zafar, Aminur Rahman, Abu Abbas, Abdul Mannan and Abu Sufian--are already behind bars. Reading out a written statement at the press briefing, Rab Additional Director General Col Mizanur Rahman Khan said the six arrestees were freed on bail from the higher court in December 2002. RAB sources said 15 other accused fled the country following the announcement of the sentence. Other fugitives include Myanmarese citizen and Huji leader Nurul Islam and Abu Jehad who founded the militant organisation Islami Jihad Andolon in 2005 after leaving Huji.
In Bangladesh has state killings going smoothly. In the name of combat the terrorism RAB and other law enforcers have been doing extra judicial killings openly. Government sources said, a regional leader and a top cadre of Janajuddho faction of the outlawed Purbo Banglar Communist Party (PBCP-ML) were shot dead in a "shootout" between their cohorts and police at Beel Amla in Mirpur upazila 2nd August, 2009. The deceased, Jahangir Alam, 36, and Yarul Islam, 32, were from Khalishakundi in Daulatpur upazila in Kushtia. Jahangir was the regional leader of the outfit. Acting on a tip-off, separate teams of Daulatpur and Mirpur police swooped on the north side of GK (Ganges-Kabadak) main canal, where a meeting was being held by Jahangir at about 5:00am. As police reached the place, Janajuddho men opened fire forcing them to retaliate.
The gunfight ended when the cadres stopped firing and fled the scene. Later, police found two dead bodies lying in a pool of blood. Police recovered two pistols and 12 bullets from the spot. Police said both Jahangir and Yarul were top wanted outlaws in the district. Jahangir was a convicted criminal. He was awarded 10 years imprisonment in an extortion case two years ago. He was also accused in at least 10 cases including five for murder. Yarul was accused of several murders in the district with a number of other crimes including extortion and robbery filed with Mirpur and Daulatpur police stations. (Please watch extra judicial killings; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qis3lwvtRi4)
But, actual truth is difference. Government has never saying truth about extra judicial killings. Even our media have been also writing almost every day false statement about extra judicial killings. In reality is that, never were made gunfight or real crossfire or encounter with terrorism between law enforcers. Actually they made direct fired to the suspect or accused terrorists. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=874).
We do want remember to the government this month is very important for Bangalee nation. In this month we lost our father of the nation Bangabondhu and other 17 members of his family in 1975, August 15. And in 21August of 2004 we lost 24 peoples including our great leader from women Ivee Rahman. In that day the killers would have to kill our great leader and present honorable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. So, the conspiraciars haven’t sitting. We getting information from various sources that, they maybe gross attack in anytime. Especially Islamic militants would do this work. So, be aware.
We want to say and we want demand that government immediately form a public enquiry committee for investigate of all kinds of minority oppression, harassment, loot-grabbing, rape, gang rape and also all kinds of human rights violation since independence. And only investigate is not enough, we think that those who are involved with minority oppression and human rights violation should give exemplary punishment to them. Otherwise never could to establish rule of law. If government want to do these then firstly should want re-established of our constitution 1972. Secondly immediately should finish the trial of war criminal, jail murder case and Bangabondhu murder case and should give punished to the accused. As well as, should need to stop strictly to the Islamic militant. Otherwise we have no alternative in front of us for establishing to peace and happiness. (http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=899)
We want government immediately should have taken realistic action to stop Islamic militancy, extra judicial killings, minority and indigenous oppression for the protection of peace, democracy, and rule of law, good governance and human rights. And for that, to essential to reestablished the 1972 constitution and remove the Islamization from state.

Jahangir Alam Akash Journalist, Writer & HR DefenderEditor of the Human Rights Todayjahangiralamakash@gmail.comwww.humanrightstoday.infowww.youtube.com/user/jaakashbdSkype: akashja.germany Handy: 004917644556802Telefon: 00494036166342 Handy: 008801720084944

Islamization minority oppression and peace in Bangladesh


By Jahangir Alam Akash
In Bangladesh crime against humanity is very popular form. Especially, the crime has been happening on the minorities. Almost every day minority peoples are going to our neighbor country India. Women and young women of minorities are always feared for their security.
Peace, good governance, rule of law and actual democracy is a golden dear in Bangladesh. Almost every day perpetrators are getting impunity from the state. As a result, day by day has increasing all kinds of bad activity in my dear Bangladesh. In the same time, increase communalism very speedily. And our religious minorities are sufferings very badly.
Majority Muslims are occupying their land, torturing them and rape minority women. It is common practice. Everything has been happening in front of the eyes of government. Though, our present ruling party men al times telling that, they are non communal. But, they felt to stop the minority oppression. Still in Bangladesh has happening minority torture.
We see from the media that, ruling party men are grabbed land of minority’s. The peoples of Bangladesh have not forgotten the minority oppression after the general election of 2001. It is true that, grievous troubled was faced our minority peoples in BNP-Jammat-E-Islam alliance government regime from 2001 to 2006. In that period of BNP-Jammat ruling political party men were made violence, killings, gang rapes and destruction on the minorities.
After nine months freedom fight was born Bangladesh. And then confirmed four main components for the nation name democracy nationalism, secularism and socialism. With an almost good constitution Bangladesh had started go to in front way. Though, that constitution was not recognizing our indigenous community. Still indigenous peoples are not recognizing by the constitution.
But, within four years was breakdown and to stooped our first constitution by the national and international conspiracies with the help of anti liberation force. Present government has owned by absolute majority. If they want then it’s no matter for reestablish of the 1972 constitution. But the government has passed seven months; still they don’t have taken any measure.
The minorities of Bangladesh have witnessed large-scale violence, cultural genocide and discrimination and bias at the hands of all the successive governments in perpetual order. Having lost 30 million people, 2 and half million acres of land, hundreds of homicides, vandalisation of more than 25,000 units of minority property, scores of organized gang rapes, state sponsored violence against women and children of the minority community have been witnessed in the state of Bangladesh.
Under the gross plane of Islamization the preamble of the constitution of Bangladesh has been amended with the words "pledging that the high ideals of absolute trust and faith in the Almighty Allah..." and in the process the word "secularism" has been dropped. The constitution, in fact, makes its beginning with the words Bismillah-ar-rahman-ar-rahim. In Bangladesh, everywhere has completing Islamization. So, always minorities are target by majority Muslim.
In thie situation, we demand that the unconstitutional provision as to the state religion which is vocative of the fundamental principle of the Constitution of Bangladesh shall have to repeal. Bengali nationalism and secularism shall have to be re-established all activities of discrimination, disparity, arrests, torture, detention and oppression on the member of the religious minorities as well as general peoples shall have to be stopped.
We want repeal 5th and 8th amendments of the Constitution. We don’t want a religious state, we want a secular state. We want the re-establishment of a secular and democratic state bereft of all disparities on the basis of Bengali Nationalism in the light of the four fundamental state principles which constitute the basic consciousness of the War of Liberation. And it was a great dream of father of the nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. We want equal rights in all spheres of life including defense, foreign affairs, government administration, government controlled institutions, state policy making bodies, industries and commerce. We believe that after all, without equal and balance and with inequality as a Bangalee we never can say that we are civilized nation. So, in the state everywhere should established accountability, rule of law, good governance, and actual practice of democracy.
We want more that fulfill all the legitimate demands of the aboriginal and tribal communities including preservation of their own culture and heritage and implement CHT peace Treaty. Implement vested property return act with the provision of inheritance. We want resist communalism, fundamentalism and fanaticism, should stop all kinds of religious discrimination, deprivation atrocities, persecution and harassment.
Lastly we want to say and we want demand that government immediately form a public enquiry committee for investigate of all kinds of minority oppression, harassment, loot-grabbing, rape, gang rape and also all kinds of human rights violation since independence. And only investigate is not enough, we think that those who are involved with minority oppression and human rights violation should give exemplary punishment to them. Otherwise never could to establish rule of law. If government want to do these then firstly should want re-established of our constitution 1972. Secondly immediately should finish the trial of war criminal, jail murder case and Bangabondhu murder case and should give punished to the accused. As well as, should need to stop strictly to the Islamic militant. Otherwise we have no alternative in front of us for establishing to peace and happiness. 2.8.2009
Writer: Jahangir Alam Akash, Editor of the Human Rights Today, Bangladesh
Journalist, writer and human right defender based in Bangladesh.
I can be reached by email at
jahangiralamakash@gmail.com
www.humanrightstoday.infohttp://www.youtube.com/user/jaakashbd

Why minority torture going on in Bangladesh and other issues



Minority repression and extra judicial killings has not stop in Bangladesh. Minority repression is a common feature in Bangladesh. Almost every day here happening minority torture. Ms.Radha Rani Halder (28) in Shoriotpur was gang raped recently. We knew our great patriotic journalist Manik Saha was killed by bomb attacked in 2004. Another honest journalist Diponker Chakraborty from Bogura was killed by terrorists. From Faridpur promising journalist Goutam Saha was killed. Principle Gopal Krishna Muhury was killed by gun shoot. As a Bangalee peoples everybody knows Purnima gang raped of in Sirajgonj. And it was the preplanned incidents. No actual investigation has happed and still not give punish to perpetrators of at least 15 indigenous community leader including Alfred Soren, Choles Richil murderer. (See:http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=865).We know in Bangladesh has no actual democracy, rule of law, education. Most of the peoples are living very poor situation. Gross problem is that, constitutionally Islam is the only one religion. But, in Bangladesh have living Muslim, Hindus, Christians and Buddhist. Though, we had got secular constitution after independence led by father of the nation Bongobondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. After the killings of Bongobondhu, General Zia and General Ershad were broken the main constitution.This is Latest incidents of minority repression in Bangladesh. Perpetrators attacked four Hindu families, vandalized their deities while attackers tried to occupy cremation ground belonging to Hindus on 3rd July, 09 at Palash Upazila of Narsingdi District. 10 persons including women and children were seriously injured due to abrupt attack. On last Saturday night this unfortunate incident occurred at the houses of Dhirendra and Monindra Chandra Barman at village–Charsindhu. At the relevant time the perpetrators destroyed and thrown away building materials into deep river kept for construction of cremation ground. The injured persons are reported to be a) Dhirendra Chandra Barman, b) Ms.Anjali Rani Barman, c) Ms.Niyati Rani Barman, d) Ms.Hinruni Barman, e) Sunil Chandra Barman, f) Kalu Chandra Barman, g) Monindra Chandra Barman, h) Monindra Chandra Barman.Two victims have been admitted to local Hospital as their conditions are reported to be precarious. On Saturday last local 15-16 land grabbers with the leadership of Joynal, Ismail and Babul armed with deadly weapons attacked the religious places of Hindus, looted cash, gold ornaments, and mobile sets worth Taka 1,50,000/- and destroyed building materials kept for reconstruction of cremation ground. It is also alleged that the local Member of Parliament – Anwar Ashrab inaugurated foundation stone for the religious place belonging to Priyatosh and Nikhil Barman on 15th July, 09 and thereafter the organizers started construction of cremation ground for Hindus. Local Police deployed and as a result constant anxiety prevailing amongst the Hindus. Local Upazilla Chairman Fakrul Islam, ASP Circle and other Awami League leaders visited the spot. Police was arrested one person involved.We hope that, present government should take immediate action against minority and indigenous persecution. And our demands is that, should punished the all perpetrators. But why, now there is a Democratic government have. So, what and where is the problem to stop minority torture and extra judicial killings? Please let us to be united and fight and presser to the present government for stop minority repression and state torture. Otherwise, minority torture and state torture will not stop.On the other hand, On 26-27 July, 2009 over two hundred members of the indigenous community two-day long march were finished in Naogaon town to protest attacks on indigenous families.The march was organised under the banner of Jatiya Adibashi Parishad (JAP) after a gang led by Nur Hosssain Master of Soraigachhi attacked the houses of some 74 families including 54 indigenous families at Katirpur on June 12. They torched, damaged and looted the houses and also randomly beat up indigenous men, women and children during the attack.Since the attack, some 300 members of the affected families have been left without homes, and the local administration has not come forward to help them, the protesters allege. On the first day yesterday, the protesters walked some 30 kilometres from Soraigachhi in Porsha to Mohadevpur upazila sadar. They will be joined by 300 more people this morning as they begin the march to Naogaon town. At Naogaon they will submit a memorandum to the local administration. The protesters are carrying traditional bows and arrows to show that they will fight for their demands for security and protection of their ancestral lands, JAP leaders said.They have meanwhile placed forward a nine-point demand which include demands for their rights and security, the arrest of Nur Hossain Master and his accomplices and the removal of the officer-in-charge of Porsha police station as the OC, they allege, is joining hands with the land grabbers.Their demands also include constitutional recognition, formation of a land commission and a separate ministry for plain land indigenous people.Why still in Bangladesh have been going minority and indigenous repression? Bangladesh Awami League has now in power. Always they are getting the vote of minority and indigenous without some extra cases. We have passed 38 years from our independence.

By Jahangir Alam Akash:Torture is a common feature in Bangladesh. Now torture has become institutionalized. In Bangladesh, it has become common for extrajudicial killings to be sanitized under the names of "crossfire" or "encounter" by law-enforcing agencies. A culture of impunity has also been a common practice by the state since 1975. Here, extrajudicial killings by the joint security forces continue unabated.I experienced torture firsthand while I was detained at an Army camp during the state of emergency declared by Bangladesh's military caretaker government from Jan. 2007 to Dec. 2008. I want to share with you some of my experiences. Every day, the suppression of the media and freedom of speech is becoming more apparent in Bangladesh. I would like to draw a picture of the destruction of Bangladeshi media from my own perspective.The people of Bangladesh struggled for 23 years to establish their rights in different sectors throughout the country, then for provincial autonomy, and finally for independence. They owned their victory through a nine-month-long war, after which they found Bangladesh independent. But it is very troubling that Bangladeshis' fundamental rights have been restricted through interference by the Army, at different times. The Army autocrats who rule the country have caused the deaths of thousands of civilians and Army people, even the father of the nation, Bangobandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, in 1975, but they have always received impunity.In recent past regime of army backed caretaker government, it was common Practice for the joint forces, the Army, and the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) to torture university professors, journalists and writer and human rights defenders including famous dramatist columnist Malay Bhoumic, professor Anwar Hossen Neem Chandra Bhoumic, Harun-ur-Rashid, present vice chancellor of Rajshahi University Abdus Sobhan, ex vice chancellor of the same university and present ambassador of UK Saidur Rahman Khan. No action can to be taken against these perpetrators. Personally, I have also been victimized by the recent past authority for my activities as a journalist, writer and human rights activist. I was tortured for 15 hours. My crime was that I was made several investigative reports about the RAB’s offenses of extrajudicial killings, Islamic militancy and Indigenous and minority torture as well as corruption and political terrorism.I want to paint a picture of the violation of the rule of law and human rights in Bangladesh. The RAB arrested a terrorist named Benazir on May 2, 2007, on the charges of possession of illegal arms. While arresting him, they shot both of his legs in front of his minor daughter and his wife. Benazir is now crippled with two bullet marks on his feet. He is also detained in the hospital area of the Rajshahi central jail. The RAB did not find any arms in his possession. Another killing was happened in the name of ‘Encounter’ by RAB-5. RAB murdered a local Workers party leader Maznu Sheikh alias Kamrul Islam at Chotobongram in Rajshahi city on May 18, 2007. I reported about these on CSB News and broadcasted interviews of their relatives (wife, mother, brother and localities). In the same time I was published these report on the daily Sangbad and broadcasted in DW Radio.When Benazir was shot, it was reported by me on CSB News. None of the RAB personnel who were involved in the alleged operation agreed to give statements in front of a television camera regarding the incident. In the evening, I send the report to our head office in Dhaka from our bureau office in Rajshahi. In a news bulletin broadcasted at 1:00 a.m. the following morning, the report was broadcast. Then, at 9:33 p.m. that evening, I received a call from RAB officer Major Rashidul Hasan Rashid. Soon as I As soon as I picked up the phone, the caller asked me why the broadcasting of the news piece about the RAB’s operation was stopped after being aired only twice. In reply, I told him that "it is up to the head office." Major Rashid became annoyed with me and said, "You broadcasted this report intentionally." I replied, "It is my professional duty, nothing more than that." He asked, “Why did you broadcast someone crying and the statements of Benazir’s wife and daughter?” In response, I asked him, “Do you want to know it officially?”At this stage, Major Rashid became very rude. I cannot mention the words he shouted at me in our language, since the language was very bad. He was outraged and said, “If you fail to give the right answer about why you broadcast the report, then I shall take actions against you.” I said, “I have not committed any crime.” Major Rashid asked again, “Why did the other TV channels not broadcast the same report? You did it intentionally and your actions belong to ‘anti-state activity’.” He also said, “Make sure that you, any of your colleagues, and the CSB News camera are never seen within the jurisdiction and activities of the RAB. If they are, then the RAB will take action against you." After that, he hung up. I complained to the Asian Human Rights Commission and Amnesty International regarding this threat. Then an investigation was commissioned. After giving a detailed report, I signed my written statement, which was received with signature and official chop by the reader to assistant police commissioner in Boalia, Rajshahi on July 3, 2007. Mr. Golam Mostofa, the field officer of the National Security Intelligence questioned me regarding the said intimidation and threats, on July 15, 2007. Then, at around 6:00 p.m. on July 22, 2007, Mr. Moyeen, an inspector of the Special Branch of the city of Rajshahi visited my office and took my statement. Inspector Moyeen also asked about the threat I felt, and I replied that the RAB is involved in extrajudicial killings and I feared that I could become the victim of such a killing. I reported that I have been continuing my work, but I still worried that the RAB or his men might target me for further harassment or intimidation.So I became a target. I have been charged multiple times with false and political motivated charges and have been arrested, tortured and detained. I was arrested from my house at midnight and tortured in front of my wife, child and rental house owners. I was taken to the RAB-5 office. I was hung from the ceiling with my hands tied with ropes and was beaten mercilessly on my feet and my back. I was kept hanging from the ceiling with ropes around my hands, with the mask on my face. And also they gave me electric shocks. When I was being tortured I was being shouted at with words like: “Will you do the Benazir report again…?” “Litchi garden report again…” ‘Khairuzzaman Liton’s family report again…” Now face the consequences; son of a pig… son of a bitch…” etc. The RAB would like to be able to kill me, and officially call the killing a "crossfire" or "encounter."RAB sent me to the local police with the charge under the section 16(2) of Emergency Power Rules 2007. I was under medical attention in the Rajshahi central jail for 10 days. As a new detainee, I was sent to the case table in front of the jail house's trial court on my first day. When I went to case table, two fellow inmates had to hold me on both sides. I had no power to walk. I could not even sit properly, but could only put pressure on one side of my rear, when sitting. I broke into tears. Many cases were lodged against me. I felt I was being prepared to be killed in a “crossfire" or "encounter.”There is more shocking news I have learned about a key perpetrator, Major Rashidul Hassan Rashid, an RAB military officer who played the leading role in the extrajudicial killings of Ahsan Habib Babu, a student’s league leader; Kamrul Islam, alias Maznu Sheikh, a Workers Party leader; Ali Jafor Babu, a prominent businessman; and about twenty others. Some people like Benazir and a jail guard, Shahebul Islam, were highly affected and disabled by their torture. Major Rashid has been recruited to serving in the U.N. peacekeeping mission in the Ivory Coast; he joined the UN mission on July 10, 2008. This makes it clear how well the Bangladeshi authorities look into human rights abuses and treat the victims and the perpetrators. Journalist Tasneem Khalil, who wrote an article criticizing the government, was taken by Army members to the facilities of the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence, Bangladesh's intelligence agency, and was brutally beaten. Now he has been exiled by the Bangladeshi government and lives in Sweden. Cartoonist Arifur Rahman arrested and sent to the jail for made a cartoon. Though, he was freed from jail later. In the regime of BNP-Jammat government journalist Saleem Samad, writer-journalist Shahriar Kabir, professor of Dhaka University and famous writer Muntasir Mamun also brutally tortured and detained illegally. There are so many examples like mentioned above. In Bangladesh still going on extra judicial killings in the name of ‘Crossfire’, ‘Encounter’ or ‘Gunfight’. Though, the present government is democratic. Recently in Gofforgaon upazilla under Mymensing district journalist Biblop was tortured by the supporters of ruling party lawmakers. In last 16 years almost 23 journalists murdered in Bangladesh including Manik Saha, Deponkar Chakraborty, Goutam Saha, Humayun Kabir Balu, Shamsur Rahman Cable, Harun-ur-Rashid Khokon, Saiful Alam Mukul, Sheikh Belaluddin. But yet real investigation and trial has not end. Journalist’s community and the relatives of killed journalists are waiting for justice. In last 38 years since independence hundreds journalists brutal tortured including Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Atiquallah Khan Masud, Alhaj Zahirul Haque, Probir Shikder, Tipu Sultan.On the other hand, In Bangladesh, the brutal persecution of the Christian religious minority and indigenous ethnic minorities is going ahead full steam. Until now, the persecution that both communities faced never saw the light of justice. A culture of the denial of justice in Bangladesh is the root of all the persecution against the ethnic and religious minorities, which isn't only affecting a part of the country, but is plaguing the entire criminal justice system in Bangladesh. General Zia and his predecessors introduced persecution against the minorities in Bangladesh. Bangladesh became Islamized under the military regime, rather than being a true parliamentarian democracy. Bangladesh was not born with the blessing of being united beyond ethnic and religious differences, but rather has been Islamized, yet with a secular policy.The attack on the religious minority brings with it the idea of “Islam in the constitution”. The communal spirit began with political motives and ended in mass destruction such as the attack on present Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wazed back in 2001. The victims of the brutal attack are still looking for justice. At that time also, a bomb attack killed 10 and badly injured 20 others at the Baniarhar Catholic church in Maksudpur, in the Gopalganj district.In 1998, an indigenous leader, Alfred Soren, was brutally killed by those in power. The day of the attack, the perpetrators looted his house, destroyed his belongings, and set the house on fire. Until now, his family members and the public have never seen the light of justice. Cholesh Richil, an indigenous Christian leader, died in custody on March 18, 2007, following brutal torture at the hands of the army. Richil’s civil rights were grossly violated by government agents. It is puzzling why the government has not yet made a proper investigation to unearth the mystery behind this leader’s death. The perpetrators of this crime should not have impunity. The killing of Richil has not been filed as a criminal case to date. From 1979 to 1981, the indigenous people of Bangladesh became cornered by landless people from the mainland in the process of their rehabilitation by the government. An ill-fated ten-year-old indigenous child, Klanto Chiham, was killed by brutal teachers after being tortured at Maymansingh. A dacoit, or robber, killed a Christian school teacher, Mangsang, at Madhupur in Tangail. A member of an even smaller minority, Dr. Goni Gomes, a converted Christian from Islam, was killed by Islamic militants. The constitution does not give proper identity to the indigenous peoples. This is Bangladesh! We demand that these persecutions stop right now and that the government give all rights due to the minority groups and bring the perpetrators to justice.Torture has been a familiar and widespread problem in Bangladesh. It is a routine feature of criminal investigations, used by the police to obtain confessions. It is also used for politically motivated purposes against alleged national security suspects, critics of the government, and perceived political opponents, in order to obtain information, to intimidate or to convey more broadly a message of fear. The system of detention is also a kind of human rights violation.Article 35 (5) of the Constitution of Bangladesh clearly said that, No person shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment or treatment - thus, it is a fundamental right of all Bangladeshis that they are protected by the Constitution against torture. There is a biggest difference between the constitutional provision and the belief of the general people. This experience started on the very day when the nation adopted its constitution as the supreme law of the land immediately after the independence of the country from the colonial regime. That same difference of allowing torture to persist without any credible scope of justice to the victims remains after 38 years of independence. The police, along with its other branches such as Special Branch (SB), the Detective Branch (DB) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), are not the only agencies that practice torture. The paramilitary forces the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) the armed forces, especially the Bangladesh Army, and the intelligence agencies like the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI) and National Security Intelligence (NSI) of the country, all maintain special torture cells of their own. There are temporarily created cells like the Joint Interrogation Cell (JIC) and the Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) Cell and they are notorious for their brutality.There is little support for the people they are supposed to be protecting. The law enforcement agencies and the security forces care little for the ordinary people of Bangladesh. The personnel, who serve in the police, armed forces and the paramilitary forces stand face to face before the people treating the commoners as criminals in general and subject them to torture in the name of maintaining law and order in the country. In reality, a country likes Bangladesh where a fair trial is beyond imagination of the justice seekers it is absolutely impossible to get a legal remedy against a perpetrator of torture.Human rights organization The Asian Human Rights Commission informed us that, in Bangladesh 629 police stations in the country. If a single person is tortured per day in these police stations then an alarming number of 229,585 persons are being tortured in Bangladesh every year. Torture at the hands of the state actors regularly causes permanent and temporary disability of persons and amounts to hundreds of deaths every year. But, despite the recurrence of these grave incidents it repeatedly fails to shake the conscience of the policymakers of the nation. The governments of various regimes do not feel any responsibility to bring to an end this brutal practice. Ironically, the political parties of the country pledge to uphold rule of law and human rights before every general election and then turn a blind eye to abuses by the police once they are elected to power.Bangladesh's parliament is in session for the second time after a new government led by the Bangladesh Awami League assumed office this year. A draft Bill urging the need of punishing torture and custodial death as a crime has also been in place since 5 March 2009. The Bill was registered by a Member of the Parliament, Mr. Saber Hossain Chowdhury, of the ruling political party, as a Private Member's Bill as the government did not clarify its position regarding the issue. A ruling party with more than two thirds majority in the parliament can eliminate torture and allow thousands of victims to get justice from the courts of law in order to fulfill the government s commitment to the people thereby meeting their constitutional obligations.We general people of Bangladesh urges to the Parliament of Bangladesh to prove its commitment that they want to end the practice of custodial torture and the culture of impunity on their own soil. We also urge the parliamentarians to legislate the draft Bill in order to open the doors of the judiciary for the victims of torture.The victims should have easy access to the complaint mechanism and protection from threats and intimidation. The burden of proof should be upon the perpetrators of torture with an obligation of compensating the victims for their sufferings if the perpetrators are found guilty. Article 46 of the Constitution must be repealed as it is used to offer impunity to the perpetrators of torture. Sections 132 and 197 of the Code of Criminal Procedure must be repealed immediately. Section 132 allows the state actors to abuse their power in the name of good faith without any checks and balances, and Section 197 denies the independence of the judiciary. The peoples also urge the civil society, including the media and the rights groups of Bangladesh to initiate movements against the practice of custodial torture and impunity by demanding the criminalization of torture.Freedom of the press should be granted in Bangladesh's constitution; it is granted in Art. 39 (b), but it is not binding upon the government. Therefore, we should fight to establish the rule of the constitution. The judiciary should be independent in practice, and all kinds of killings by the government machinery should be stopped. No persons should be tortured by law-enforcing agencies. No rule or ordinance that is contradictory to the main theme of constitution should be formed or passed. No accused persons should have impunity. The U.N. charter should be followed strictly and, in this regard, the international organization should act impartially and independently.I think that, to establish freedom of the press and to protect human rights that are the first and main step to establish the rule of law and to develop a country, the culture of democracy should be practiced continuously and strictly in Bangladesh. In this regard, a forum for regional or global cooperation should be formed, should be active in creating a few rules, and should be strictly maintained. It is necessary to give punish those who are perpetrators and should Bangladesh government stop Impunity for the greater interest of democracy and peace.Writer: Exiled Journalist, writer and human rights activist and for politically persecuted a guest of Hamburg Foundation.
Friday, March 20, 2009
‘Extra judicial killings & Revenge'
Dear Sir/MadamI am a writer, journalist & human rights activists in Bangladesh. I have published three books. The books are '15 hours in total darkness', ‘Extra judicial killings & Revenge' and 'Militant Godfathers & other issues'. I have been working as a journalist from last 19 years. I have gathered experience on TV, Radio and Print media. For my reporting against extra judicial killings, corruption and Islamic militancy I was false charged with extortion during emergency period and I was arrested, brutal tortured and detained by the Army. Still I am in danger. I have been fighting against the conspiracy by Army and some corrupted political leaders.I want to help from you.Background of army torture: I am Jahangir Alam Akash, Rajshahi bureau chief of the ‘The Daily Sang bad’ and recently closed down 24 hours television channel ‘CBS News’ and Freelance Correspondent for the Radio German Deutsche Welle-DW (Bengali Service), Special Correspondent of NY Bangla (New York), Editor of the human rights news portal in Bangladesh ‘Human Rights Today’, Executive Director of Human Rights organization “Justice Foundation” and former General Secretary for the Rajshahi Union of Journalists (RUJ) and Rajshahi University press club.I have been engaged in journalism from last 19 years. I have completed BA (Hon ours) and MA in Philosophy from the University of Rajshahi and acquired a Post-Graduate Diploma in Civic Journalism from the Department of Mass Communication & Journalism of the same university. I also worked with Ekushey Television, Dainik Bangla, Banglar Bani, Ajker Kagoj, The New Nation, The Morning Sun and The Associated Press of Bangladesh (APB).I have been facing at least three extortion false charges which are fabricated. In my work I have on numerous occasions disclosed the atrocities of the RAB in cases involving human rights violations. Due to investigated reporting on extra judicial killings, corruption, militancy and violation of human rights, I have been facing false extortion cases one after another.Being a journalist and human rights activist, I was victimized and was tortured by Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) for my professional activities. On December 1, 2006, RAB murdered Ahsan Habib Babu, a Chatra (Students) League leader from Durgapur. On May 2, 2007 an accused terrorist Mohammad Benazir (BNP) was shot by RAB at his bedroom in front of his wife and minor daughter. On May 16, 2007 RAB tortured jail-guard Sahebul Islam. RAB was killed a Workers Party local Leader Kamrul Islam alias Majnu Sheikh in a litchi garden at Choto Bangram of Rajshahi on May 18, 2007.I reported these incidents in CSB News, Radio German Deutsche Welle and in the daily Sangbad. When one Benazir was shot on May 2, 2007 it was reported by me in CSB News. None of the RAB personnel, who were involved in the alleged operation, did agree to give their statements in front of television camera regarding the incident. In the evening, I send the report to my head office [Dhaka] from bureau office [in Rajshahi]. In a news bulletin broadcasted at 01.00am early in the following morning [3 May 2007], the report was screened on air.Then, at 9.33 pm on 3 May 2007 I received a call in my mobile phone number: [+88]01720084944 from RAB officer Major Rashidul Hasan Rashid from another mobile number: [+88]01714049431. I said ‘Greetings’ when I received the phone. As soon as I received the phone, the caller asked me that why the broadcasting of the news regarding the RAB’s operation was stopped just after airing only two bulletins. In reply, I told the person that ‘it is a matter of the head office’.He [Major Rashid] became annoyed with me and said, ‘you broadcasted this report intentionally.’ I replied,”it is my professional duty, not more intention at all.’ He [Major Rashid] asked, “Why did you broadcast the crying face and statements of Benzir’s wife and child daughter?” In response, I asked him, “Do you want to know it officially?”At this stage, Major Rashid became very rude and I cannot mention the words he shouted at me in my language [the language was very bad]; he was outraged and said, “If you fail to give the right answer that why did you broadcast the report, then I shall take actions against you” I said, “I have not committed any crime.” Major Rashid asked again, “Why did the other TV channels not broadcast the same report? You did it intentionally and you’re this particular action belongs to ‘anti-state activity’.”He [Major Rashid] again said, “Mind it, you, any of your colleagues and the camera of the CSB News are not seen at all within the jurisdiction and activities of RAB. If it is seen any further that you or your CSB’s camera is close to the activities of the RAB, then RAB go for action against you. After this, he [Major Rashid] disconnected the (mobile phone) line.” I was complained to Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) and Amnesty International regarding this threat. Then an investigation was commissioned.After giving the detailed address, I signed on my written statement, which was received with signature and official chop by the Reader to APC [Assistant Police Commissioner], Model Police Station, Boalia, RMP, Rajshahi on 3 July 2007. Mr. Golam Mostofa, the Field Officer of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) interrogated me regarding the said intimidation and threats on 15 July 2007.Besides, at around 06.00pm on 22 July 2007, Mr. Moyeen, an Inspector of the Special Branch of the Rajshahi city of the RMP visited my office and took my statement. Inspector Moyeen also asked about the security problem of me, I replied that the RAB is involved in extra judicial killings in the country and I feared that I could be a victim of such killing. I reported that I have been continuing my works but worry that the RAB or his men may target me for further harassment or intimidation.On the April 9, 2002 and on the December 17, 2006 I reported about the corruption in the management of Delwar Hossain Waqf Estate in Rajshahi. On March 4, of 2000 I reported about Mahfuzul Alam Loton, the son of the sacked Motawali (of the Estate) Abdus Samad and his gang’s terrorist activities. On April 25, 2007 my report on the corruption of this estate was broadcasted by CSB News.Working as a regional coordinator of a human rights organization, Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights, I did some fact-finding on RAB’s human rights violations especially extra judicial killings. These facts were sent to the Home minister, Prime minister and the Chief adviser seeking necessary actions. For these reasons RAB was furious with me.Reacting to my reports in CSB News and the daily Sangbad on corruption in Delwar Hossain Waqf Estate in Rajshahi, Mahfuzul Alam Loton, son the Motawali Abdus Samad filed a GD (General Diary No. 1160) on June 20, 2007 charging me of a false extortion attempt of Taka 50,000 in the Boalia model police station.After closed CSB News On October 2, 2007 the same complaint was submitted in the same police station as Izahar (FIR) and it was recorded as a case (No. 2, Section 385/386). I immediately applied to the high court and received an ad-interim bail. But violating the court ruling RAB arrested me on the October 24, 2007 at 01.30am. In this night, around 10 to 12 plainclothes RAB members came to my rent house. When I and my wife asked for their identity they said they were government officials. We said if they don’t identify themselves we won’t open the gate. In the meantime I tried to contact others. The son of the landlord came down from his flat and asked them why they were not identifying themselves.He was beaten and sworn at for this. In the meantime police also came. I was opened the door but the front grill of the house was still locked. Our 4-months old son (when I was arrested) was in my lap. I was arrested instantly after opening the lock. A mask was put on my face. Before mask my eye’s covered a towel. My son was still in my hands. They searched the house but found nothing. I was beaten by RAB in front of my child son Fiman Farnad (now 15 month old) and my wife Farhana Sarmin (She is now study in Rajshahi University) was also witness to this. At the same time when Mr. Likhon, 26, the son of my landlord Mr. Abul Kashem, asked about the identity of the persons arresting me. He was also beaten. I was taken to RAB-5 office. I was kept hanging from the ceiling with my hands tied with ropes. I was beaten mercilessly on feet and back.After taking me in RAB-5 office I was kept hanging from ceiling with ropes in my hands, with the mask on my face. In the morning the RAB officer Major Rashidul Hasan Rashid (Commander of Crime Prevention Company, RAB-5, now he is posted in UN Peace Keeping Mission at Ivory cost) and Major Kabir (Second in Command of RAB-5, now he is posted at Bandorban) tortured me physically. They have sworn nasty words towards me. Major Rashid was gave me electric shocks. They handed me over to Boalia police station at 04.30 in the afternoon under section 54 (Under Section 16/2 of Emergency Power Rules-EPR. Boalia police station put me on Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (CMM) court under section 16 (2) of the EPR.I was tortured the whole night until about 04.00pm, the next afternoon. My fault was that I reported about RAB’s offenses (extra judicial killings). RAB arrested one of terrorist Benazir on May, 2, 2007 on the charges of possession of illegal arms. While arresting him they shot both of his legs in front of his minor daughter Prianka and his wife. Benazir is now crippled with two bullet marks on his feet. He is also detained in this hospital area of Rajshahi central jail. RAB did not find any arms from him. I reported about this in CSB News and broadcasted interviews of his wife.RAB murdered an innocent man Workers party leader named Majnu in a litchi garden in the town. I also reported this. So, I became a target. I have been framed in multiple cases and is being tortured. When I was being tortured I was being shouted at with these kinds of words… “Will you do the Benazir report again…?” “Litchi garden report again…” “AHM Khairuzzaman Liton’s family report again…” “Now face the consequence… son of a pig… son of a bitch…” etc…Etc. RAB wants to kills me in the name of ‘Crossfire or Encounter’.I was under medical attention of Rajshahi central jail for 10 days. As a new detainee I was went to the case table in front of the trial court of the Jail house on the first day. When I went to case table, two detainees holding me from my two sides. I had no power to walk. I could not even sit properly, only could put pressure in one side of the bottom. I was broke into my tears. Many cases were lodged against me. I was being prepared to be killed in “crossfire or Encounter.” I came to know later that another false extortion case was lodged against me by Abdul Jalil who is the father of a rapist Chatradol cadre Harun in the Puthia police station. The son of the plaintiff was caught red handed by thepeoples while doing to rape a teenager girl. Harun was later released on acquitted. Abdul Jalil, father of Harun was murdered a poor farmer & activist of Bangladesh Awami League Abdul Halim by poison because he (Halim) refused to withdraw the rape case against the rapist Harun. I had conducted the fact-finding mission of this rape case and identified Harun and his father Abdul Jalil as the offender.Mahfujul Alam Loton, the plaintiff of the first extortion case against me, witness Ziaul Haque Tuku and Asaduzzaman Asad all are working as a RAB sources. I filed a GD (No. 310) against Loton on March 7, 2000 because after my report had been published in the daily Sangbad on March 4, 2000 members of his gang tried to kill me. Later Asaduzzaman Asad, a witness in Loton’s case took Taka 30,000 as extortion from a local businessman but he used my name. This was reported in the daily Sangbad, “Extortion is use the name of a journalist,” on January 19, of 2003.Delwar Hossain Waqfo Estate is well known in Rajshahi. Due to corruption allegation with the management, I reported with the Daily Sangbad on 9 April 2002 and 17 December 2006. I also reported in CSB News on 25 April 2007 on the same. For this reason, Mr. Mahfuzul Alam Loton (son of sacked Motawalli of the estate Mr. Abdus Samad) filed an extortion case against me with Boalia Model Police Station. Because, Motowalli Mr. Abdus Samad was terminated from his responsibility for corruption. Mr. Loton is also a paternal uncle of A H M Khairuzzaman Liton, newly elected Mayor of Rajshahi. I did many facts findings report about Extra-Judicial Killing and published/broadcasted series of report in this connection on DW, CSB News & the the daily Sangbad.I was freed from Rajshahi central jail on 19th November, 2007 after 28 day’s’. But, again an extortion false case filed against me on 25th November, 2007. The plaintiff Mr. Abdul Latif Biswas is an accused in a sensational extortion case. I reported with the daily Sangbad on 23rd August 2003 against Mr. Latif on his antisocial activity. Mr. Latif is the President of Puthia BNP & former administrator of Puthia municipality. On November 21, 2007 I received once again threat by the RAB that I would be booked with yet another fabricated charge and would be shot dead as if I was killed in an encounter or crossfire.I am surprised that none of the regular benches of the High Court Division has heard the petition of me since the reopening of the courts although Justice A F M Abdur Rahman’s vacation bench ordered that the case to be placed before a regular bench when the court is reopened. I regret that the High Court has neither held the RAB officials accountable for violating itsOrder as a contempt of court charge nor the magistrates of the Rajshahi CMM Court for detaining me in prison in the case for which I was already bailed by the High Court.The magistrate’s courts and judge’s courts in Bangladesh has recently been separated from the executive branch of the government, which was in effect since 1st November 2007. On this, I am inquisitive to learn whether the Supreme Court of Bangladesh, which is the authority to deal with the subordinate judiciary of the country, has yet taken any action regarding these issues involving contempt of courts and unauthorized abuses of governmental power. Not only me, but my family also is under threat from the RAB. As of now I am keeping myself away from my home in order to be safe.There is an another shocking news I have learned that the key perpetrator, Major Rashidul Hassan Rashid, a military officer deputed in the RAB, who played the leading role in these extra-judicial killings of the victims Ahsan Habib Babu, a students league, Kamrul Islam alias Maznu Sheikh, a Workers Party leader, Ali Jafor Babu, a prominent businessmen and about twnty others. Some other persons like Benzir and jail guard Shahebul Islam is highly affected and became disabled by their torture. Major Rashid is recruited to serve in the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Ivory Coast; he was joined the UN Mission on 10th July, 2008. It is to be noted that I have informed it by a high ranking police officer of Rajshahi range and one RAB officials but I committed them not to disclose their identity. On the other hand Commander of RAB-5 Lieutenant Colonel Shamsuzzaman Khan was transferred recently from RAB-5 (Rajshahi) to RAB-2 (Dhaka). Everybody may understand how the Bangladeshi authorities look into the matters of human rights abuses and treat the victims and the perpetrators as well, according to their policy.Boalia police station put me on court under section 16 (2) of the Emergency Power Rules (EPR)-2007. I was under medical attention of Rajshahi central jail. I came to know later that the father of a rapist Chatradol cadre in the Puthia police station lodged another false extortion case against me. The son of the plaintiff in the Puthia police station case was caught red handed while trying to rape a teenager girl. He was later released on acquitted. The rape victim’s father Abdul Halim was murdered by poison because he refused to withdraw the case against the rapist. And the plaintiff is accused mastermind murderer of the rape victim’s father Mr. Abdul Halim. Mr. Halim was a day labor. I was freed from Rajshahi central jail on 19 November, 2007 after 28 day’. But, again an extortion false case filed against me on 25 November, 2007. The plaintiff Mr. Abdul Latif Biswas is a accused in a sensational extortion case. I reported with the Daily Sangbad on 23 August 2003 against Mr. Latif on his antisocial activity. Mr. Latif is the President of Puthia BNP & former administrator of Puthia municipality.Mahafujul Loton, the plaintiff of the extortion case against me, witness Ziaul Haque Tuku and Asaduzzaman Asad all are working as a RAB sources. I filed a general diary GD (No. 310) against Loton on March 7, 2000 because after my report had been published in Daily Sangbad on March 4, 2000, members of his gang tried to kill me.Later Asaduzzaman Asad, a witness in Loton’s case took Taka 30,000 as extortion from a local businessman but he used my name. This was reported in Daily Sangbad, “Extortion is using the name of a journalist,” on January 19, of 2003.The charge sheet of the cases filed with the Boalia Model Police has been submitted on 30 October 2007. Usually this hurry ness for submitting charge sheet never happens in Bangladesh. The case has been transferred to the Emergency Powers Rules. There were three extortion cases have been filed against me in 53 days.The High Court, however, issued a Rule upon the government in reference to the case transferred to the Emergency Power Rules-EPR 2007 when I filed the Writ Petition (WP Number 10905/2007). The Court also adjourned the transfer order for next three months on 2 January 2008. But, The District Sessions and Judge Court, Rajshahi issued arrest warrant against me on 7 January violating the Rule issued by the High Court. Meanwhile, on 14 January, 2008 Rajshahi Judge Court adjourned the case from 8 January to 12 April, 2008 upon the Rule from the High Court keeping the arrest warrant valid. Later I was got bail from High Court. In this case I was on bail and adjourned the activity of said case till 2nd February, 2009. I don’t know what will happen after 2nd February.In current situation is very bed for my life. First case against me which was filed by Mr. Mahafujul Alam Loton (Loton is an uncle of Mayor-elect of Rajshahi City Corporation Mr. A H M Khairuzzaman Liton). Mr. Loton and Liton is the powerful leader of Bangladesh Awami League. Last 4th August Mr. Liton was elected Mayor of Rajshahi. After his victory Mr. Loton and his associates were threatened me verbally. Not only that an associates of Mr. Liton was filed a general diary with false charges against my father in law Advocate Mr. Tajul Islam Mohammad Faruque, president of Bangladesh Awami League and Ex. Member of Parliament by false charges. So, I feel very fearing. Mr. Liton is the main mastermind of the conspiracy against me. In this connection I was wrote a book name is ‘15 hours in total Darkness’. I was published another new two books on Ekushey book fair-2009, Dhaka (Name is ‘Extra judicial killings & revenge’ and ‘Militant Godfather & other issues’). Professor Dr. A A M S Arefin Siddique, Vice Chancellor of Dhaka University was opened the cover of my books.Not only that, the 8th September was held of Rajshahi Union of Journalists election. I was the general secretary candidate of this election. Mayor A H M Khairuzzaman Liton was campaign against me. For this reason, I was defeated only one vote. Latest information is that, a fabricated general diary was filed on 23rd August, 2008 GD No. 857, dated 23.8.08) against my father in law and ex MP lawyer Mr. Tajul Islam Mohammad Faruque by a listed terrorist Abdul Latif. Though that charge was proved false after investigation by the police. In the second case against me which will be hearing on charge on 15th February, 2009 in Joint District Judge Court-2, Rajshahi.Information of 21st October, 2008: As you know, I am facing cases propagated with political motives here in Bangladesh. Recently on 21st October 2008, I personally appeared before the chief judicial magistrate court, Rajshahi regarding the Propagated case by RAB. This is case filed on 23rd October the public prosecutors were influencing on the trail .The Magistrate was fully ignoring on this serious violation of Court. The Public Prosecutors were directly helping the witness by mentioning date while they were witnessing before the court. My senior lawyer was unable to present at that date. My lawyer asked for the interval for next court as the senior lawyer is out of town for a humanitarian reason .The Court denied that fact and gives a short date on coming 9th November 2008. I am seriously doubtful about the alarming attitude of the respected Court on the trail .The whole trail is influenced by the perpetrators. I am felling highly insecure on this impartial attitude of the said Court.Information of 12th January, 2009: I am drawing your urgent attention on a serious threat by the Assistant Commissioner of detective branch (AC, DB) of Rajshahi Metropolitan Police Mr. Md. Mahafuzur Rahman (Cell No +8801678034408).As the Islamic extremist threatened me previously I seek for investigation and security to the local police. Then I informed to the AC, DB dated on 9th January 2009. After this, he called me on my cell phone (+8801720084944) on 12th January 2009 around 10.00pm and he told me to go to his office located at C&B More, Rajshahi. After his calling I went to his office with my junior colleague Mr. Salahuddin Muhammod Sumon, Rajshahi University Correspondent of the daily Bhorer Kagoj. The AC, DB threat me with false accusation that, ‘No one call me and threatened me over cell phone, but it was me who called the Islamic extremist’.Hearing this bogus accusation shocked me. Immediately I had protested on this bogus accusation against me.I find out some similarities what the Islamic extremist had threatened me over cell phone. The Islamic extremist told me that ‘No one will able to safe me, as like as DGFI, NSI, RAB and Police. They have their own peoples everywhere.’It should be noted that, earlier on 11th January, 2009 when I went to his office at around 10pm to give him the General Diary (GD) number (GD No-180, dated-4/1/2009 & GD No-568, dated-9/1/2009) and cell phone numbers of the perpetrators. After seeing the cell phone numbers AC DB Mr. Mahafuzur Rahman said that, these numbers belongs to some powerful persons. At that time my junior colleague Mr. Salahuddin Muhammod Sumon, Rajshahi University Correspondent of the daily Bhorer Kagoj was present with me at AC DB office.On the other hand, first case against me, which was filed by Mr. Mahafujul Alam Loton (Loton is an uncle of Mayor-elect of Rajshahi City Corporation Mr. A H M Khairuzzaman Liton). Mr. Loton and Liton is the powerful leader of Bangladesh Awami League. Last 4th August Mr. Liton was elected Mayor of Rajshahi. After his victory Mr. Loton and his associates were threatened me verbally. Not only that an associates of Mr. Liton was filed a general diary with false charges against my father in law Advocate Mr. Tajul Islam Mohammad Faruque, president of Bangladesh Awami League and Ex. Member of Parliament by false charges. So, I feel very fearing. Special mention that, Mr. Liton is the main mastermind of the conspiracy against me. In this connection I was wrote a book name is ‘15 hours in total Darkness’.Not only that, the 8th September was hold of Rajshahi Union of Journalists election. I had the general secretary candidate of this election. Mayor A H M Khairuzzaman Liton was campaign against me. For this reason, I was defeated only one vote. Latest information is that, a fabricated general diary was filed on 23rd August, 2008 GD No. 857, dated 23.8.08) against my father in law and ex MP lawyer Mr. Tajul Islam Mohammad Faruque by a listed terrorist Abdul Latif. In the second case against me which was started trial and next date 22nd January 2009. Another date of the case (High Court) 4th February, 2009 which was propagated by Mahafuzul Alam Loton, uncle of Mayor A H M Khairuzzaman Liton.Information of 21st October, 2008:Information of 1st February, 2009: First false charges and political motivated extortion case which was filed by Mahafuzul Alam Loton, Vice President of Bangladesh Awami League of Rajshahi City Unit against me (Journalist & human rights activist Jahangir Alam Akash). The High Court Bench formed by Justice Md. Imman Ali & Justice Sheikh Abdul Awal has extended of the order of stay and ad-interim bail for a further period of 1 (One) month from 3rd February, 2009 of the said case. The High Court Bench was passed this order on 1st February, 2009.Information of 8th February, 2009: The lawyer’s of Akash has submitted the certified copy of High Court last order to district and sessions judge court, Rajshahi. For this, honourable judge Mr. A R Masud has increased the adjourned for one month (up to 6/3/2009) of first case against Akash which was filed by Mr. Loton. In the same time, judge gave bail to Akash for next one month (up to 6/3/2009).Information of 15th February, 2009: On 15th February, 2009 morning I was joined the local court (Joint district Judge Court-2) in Rajshahi for charge hearing of second case against me which was filed by Mr. Abdul Jalil. Judge Mr. Ali Ahmed was heard my lawyers argue, but judge was not given any order. Perhaps tomorrow (on 16th February, 2009) will give his (judge) order. At least twenty lawyers including ex public prosecutor (PP) Mr. Monsur Rahman, senior lawyer Mr. Tajul Islam Mohammad Faruque (Ex MP), ex general secretary of Rajshahi lawyers association Mr. Ibrahim Hossen, ex additional PP Mr. Nurul Islam, Mr. Nawshad Ali, Mr. Entajul Haque Babu, Rashed-un-nabi Ahsan, Eahsan Ahmed Shahin, Sorwar Jahan Tuhin were took attended the hearing.Information of 16th February, 2009: Charge was framed against Jahangir Alam Akash. Joint district judge-2 Mr. Ali Ahmed gave this order on 16th February, 2009. Before this order the hearing of charge was held on 15th February, 2009 in same court. Eye witness statement will take from next 27th July, 2009. In addition information is I have published two books name are ‘Extra judicial killings & revenge’ and ‘Militant Godfathers & other issues’. These books cover opened by the Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. A A M S Arefin Siddique of Dhaka University. Latest Information of 8th March, 2009: I was got fresh bail form district and sessions judge court, Rajshahi. My lawyers have submitted a bail petition to the said court on morning of Sunday (March 8, 2008). After hearing Judge Mr. A R Masud was granted bail. The senior lawyers Mr. Morad Hossain Khan, Md. Monsur Rahman and Tajul Islam Mohammad Faruque were attended the hearing of bail petition in favor of me. Next date of this case on 7th April, 2009. On the other hand, my attendance dates for trial of another case which was filed by Mr. Jalil on 27th July, 2009 in joint district judge court-2 Rajshahi.Finally I want to say, during the emergency period false, political motivated and fabricated cases have been filed against me just because of investigated reporting on extra judicial killings, militancy, corruption and human rights violation. But I am tired physically, mentally and economically. I want to live. I want to go back to my profession and regular normal life. I strongly say that my stand is clear for the country and upholding human rights and also against all sorts of corruption, human rights violation, extra judicial killings, women-girls torture, Indigenous-religious minority torture and militancy. Perhaps I would have to accept jail for false charge cases but I would never down my head to conspiracy and false allegation. I believe if I would not get justice from the society or country, but would definitely get “natural justice”.Please see these links:http://www.voanews.com/bangla/archive/2005-01/2005-01-28-voa2.cfmhttp://www.hrsolidarity.net/mainfile.php/2008vol18no03/2641/http://www.e-bangladesh.org/2007/10/31/tortured-jahangir-alam-akash/http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/ASA13/012/2007http://www.amnestyusa.org/actioncenter/actions/uaa28507.pdfhttp://www.cpj.org/news/2007/asia/bangla24oct07na.htmlhttp://www.ifex.org/en/content/view/full/87229/http://www.amnesty.no/web.nsf/pages/430FA6CB155D448DC125738A003A8E49http://www.amnesty.org.uk/news_details.asp?NewsID=17609 http://www.asiamedia.ucla.edu/print.asp?parentid=84212http://www.voanews.com/bangla/archive/2005-01/2005-01-28-voa2.cfmhttp://www.thesouthasian.org/archives/2008/tortured_truths_1.htmlhttp://asiapacific.ifj.org/en/articles/ifj-expresses-concerns-about-trial-of-bangladeshi-journalistwww.jahangiralamakash.blogspot.comwww.ghrdblog.blogspot.com www.humanrightstoday.infoJahangir Alam AkashEditor of Human Rights Todayhttp://www.humanrightstoday.info/
jahangiralamakash@gmail.com

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Jahangir Alam Akash-Editor of Euro Bangla

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Jahangir Alam Akash Editor Euro Bangla http://www.eurobangla.org/ editor.eurobangla@yahoo.de http://youtube.com/user/jaakashbd
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