The Vienna Declaration on Terrorism, Media and the Law (Draft)

Human Rights Today report: On 5-6 October, 2009 was held an international conference on “The War on Words – Terrorism, Media and the Law” in Vienna, Austria.

Participants at the IPI-sponsored conference, “The War on Words – Terrorism, Media and the Law”, reiterate that freedom of expression and of the media are fundamental human rights, enshrined in Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration states:



Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers.


We recognise that security is essential to safeguarding democracy and all human rights. Furthermore, Article 3 of the Universal Declaration guarantees the rights to “life, liberty and security of person”, which are closely related to wider security concerns.

At the same time, an important objective of many of those committing acts of terrorism is to undermine democracy and weaken respect for human rights. To respond to terror by unduly restricting rights, including the right to freedom of expression, would be to play into the hands of terrorists.

We believe that effective security and respect for freedom of expression are not incompatible but, rather, are complementary. Indeed, it is our view that the free flow of information and ideas is an important antidote to terrorist ideology and that a free media is indispensable to achieving this. Terrorism thrives where secrecy and rumour mongering prevail. Individuals who have access to diverse, uncensored sources of information are less likely to resort to violent action than those who do not. Where effective platforms for democratic dialogue exist, underpinned by respect for freedom of expression, social tensions and disagreements are more likely to be resolved in peaceful ways.

A free and independent media can play an indispensable role in holding those wielding power to account. A robust media sector which is able to exert an effective watchdog role over security policies and bodies, and thereby help prevent abuse and wrongdoing, is key to combating terrorism.

No restrictions should be imposed on the right to freedom of expression, including to safeguard security, which do not meet international law standards, in particular as set out in Article 19 of the Universal Declaration.

Reporting on terrorism poses particular challenges and the media should always strive to do so professionally and in accordance with ethical standards, including the principle of minimising harm.






DECLARATION



1. Everyone has the right to access diverse, uncensored sources of information. States should create an environment which encourages the development of a diverse, pluralistic media sector.

2. Media freedom, including editorial independence, should be respected by States and inter-governmental organisations. Specific obligations should not be imposed on media outlets in the pursuit of counter terrorism.

3. The media should be free to report on terrorism, including terrorist acts and ideology, as long as this does not constitute intentional incitement to terrorism. Such reporting should not be penalised as ‘radicalising’ potential terrorists or under other vague and unduly broad grounds, such as ‘glorifying’ or ‘promoting’ terrorism.

4. The media should also be free to report on religion and to treat it in the same manner as it would other topics. Blasphemy laws cannot be justified as a restriction on freedom of expression. Similarly, the right of the media to report on violations of human rights and on the infringement of civil liberties should be respected.

5. Self-regulation is the most appropriate means of promoting professionalism and high standards in the media. States should acknowledge the right of the media to engage in self-regulation, including by setting up independent codes of conduct and other media accountability systems. Where effective self-regulatory systems are in place, States should not seek to impose other forms of regulation.

6. Policies and laws adopted with a view to combating terrorism should be consistent with international and constitutional standards, including guarantees of freedom of expression and of the media. In this regard, the notion of national security should not be abused to protect the government, powerful interests or particular ideologies, or to prevent the exposure of wrongdoing or incompetence.

7. States of emergency should not be declared outside of situations which threaten the life of the nation. Any derogations from rights during emergencies, including the right to freedom of expression and of the media, should be limited to the extent strictly required by the exigencies of the situation, including in duration.

8. No State or inter-governmental organisation should seek to take control over a private or public media outlet, including during an emergency or terrorist threat.

9. States and intergovernmental organisations should recognise and respect the right of media workers and media outlets to protect the identity of their confidential sources of information.

10. The right to access information from public bodies, both national and international, should be recognised in law and respected in practice through right to information laws (sometimes know as access to information or freedom of information laws) in accordance with international standards.

11. Enforcement of counter-terrorism laws should never be arbitrary or capricious in nature, and should always be subject to independent judicial oversight. Source: http://www.freemedia.at

It’s a black chapter?

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Why the conscious citizens of Bangladesh have been silent on extra judicial killings? We don’t know. Every day, the law enforcers are violating to the constitution, law, international treaty in Bangladesh. In last government regime both army backed caretaker and BNP-Jammat those were shouted against extra judicial killings now they are totally silent. Though, a few human rights organization and personalities are still shouting against this sensational issue. But, it is very exceptional. What are doing by RAB in Bangladesh in the name of combating the terrorism? I am a close eye witness regarding state torture. RAB wanted to kills me in the name of so-called crossfire or encounter or gunfight. But, fortunately still I am in alive. I seem every movement that, I was obtained a new life. Article 3 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights guarantees the rights to life, liberty and security of person. Not only that, article 35(5) of the Constitution of Bangladesh has guarantees against torture. In spite of, in Bangladesh has going on torture and killings by the state. In Bangladesh, three more people were killed in ‘crossfire’ in Dhaka, Kushtia and Pabna early on 7th October, 2009. Source: the daily Sangbad, 8th October, 2009. The latest incidents took to 105 the total death figure from such extrajudicial killing such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and the police since January 6 when the Awami League-led government assumed office. The deceased were Hedayet Ullah alias Julhas, 30, of Hazaribagh in Old Town of capital Dhaka, Sunnat Ali, 36, Moktar Hossain, 30. All of them are accused criminals or terrorists. Previous report: Extra judicial killing lists stands 103 in present Awami regime By Jahangir Alam Akash, Rule of law is one kind of golden dear in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh has no right to life. An extra judicial killing has not stopped in Bangladesh. Two more people were killed in ‘crossfire’ with law enforcers in Faridpur and Chuadanga early on October, 6, 2009. Source: the New Age, 7.10.2009. With these took to 103 the total death figure from such extrajudicial killing such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ by the Rapid Action Battalion and the police since January 6 when the Awami League-led government assumed office. The deceased were Korban Ali, 42, of Chuadanga was killed by police, and Mohammad Labhlu Bepari, 34, of Faridpur was killed by RAB. Both were accused criminals. On the other hand, in capital Dhaka three were killed by RAB and police on 5th October, 2009. The killed are Jane Alam Sohel, 26, Saizuddin Sazu, 30 and Pichi Abul, 32. Link of the previous report: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1252 Bangladesh government has decided that, crossfire or extra judicial killings to continue. Though, this government was committed to stop extra judicial killings in front of the international community. On 3rd October, 2009 another more two persons were killed in extra judicial killings. This, latest incident of extrajudicial killing took to 98 the number of total death figure from incidents such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ after January 6 when the Bangladesh Awami League-led government assumed office. The government will need to continue with extrajudicial killing, commonly called ‘crossfire,’ until terrorist activities and extortion is uprooted, said a senior minister in Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet. Source: the New Age, 4.10.2009 Sources said, ‘A time will come when it will no longer be required,’ said the shipping minister, Shahjahan Khan, as he answered a question at the BBC’s Bangladesh Sanglap at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on 3rd October, 2009. ‘No government wants to continue with extrajudicial killing. But we need to understand the reality. There are incidents trial of which is not possible under laws of the land,’ Shahjahan said, adding the government has no other option. He also said, ‘Nobody is interested in filing cases against the criminals who carry out terrorist act one after another. Under the circumstances what other option is left for the government?’ Three other Panelists of the dialogue and most of the audience were, however, opposed to the minister’s stand on the ‘crossfire’ as a means to end terrorist activities. In reply to a question, BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said although the practice began during the immediate-past BNP government, it has now become clear that terrorist activities cannot be stopped even with ‘crossfire.’ ‘The practice of crossfire must be brought to an end as many good people are being killed,’ the former minister said. Two more accused extremists were killed in the ‘crossfire’ with law enforcers in Chuadanga and Khulna on 3rd October, 2009. The deceased were Abu Sayeed Sarkar, also known as Ranga Sayeed, 32, and Abdur Rashid, also known as Mollah Rashid, 42. Previous report link: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1234 By Jahangir Alam Akash, Extra judicial killings is a great human rights violation as well as its violation of the constitution and Universal Declaration of human rights. In spite of, extra judicial killings is going on in Bangladesh. Another one was killed in the name of so-called gunfight by joint forces (including RAB) on 1st October, 2009 at a garden of Chulkati-Niklepur in the Bagerhat district headquarters. Source: the New Age, 2.10.2009. The deceased was Reazul Haque Masud, also known as Bidi Masud, a resident of Kathal in the upazila. He is an accused criminal. This, latest incident of extrajudicial killing took to 96 the number of total death figure from incidents such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ after January 6 when the Bangladesh Awami League-led government assumed office. On the other hand, Habibur Rahman Mithu, 32, was a injured with bulet in same way so-called gunfight by Rab on 1st October, 2009 in Barisal. He was president of Agorpur union Jubo League under Babuganj upazila. Source: the daily Star, 2.10.2009 Previous report: ‘A false story about crossfire’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, Peoples of the Bangladesh are very well know about o-called crossfire/encounter/gunfight. After every extra judicial killings government was served a statement which was totally false story about the extra judicial killings. 95 peoples were killed by the state in the name of so-called crossfire or encounter or gunfight in the regime of present Awami League government since January 7 to September 30, 2009. An accused terrorist was killed in so-called ‘crossfire’ with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Faizullapur of Bheramara in Kushtia early on 30th September, 2009. The deceased, Asha alias Daku Asha, 35, was a resident of Raita at Bheramara. Source: the New Age, 1st October, 2009. With Asha’s killed, the total killed figure from incidents of extrajudicial killing such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ rose to 5 after January 6 when the Awami League-led government assumed office. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Home Minister Sahara Khatun and state Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku were taken the side for extra judicial killings direct or indirectly. Every extra judicial killings are the violation of constitution, International human rights treaty as well as rule of law. Previous report 94 were killed extra judicially in present Awami League government By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another person was killed in extra judicially by police in Chuadanga on 28th September, 2009. Government sources said, Kamirul Islam alias Hamidul, 45, of Chualia village under Damurhuda upazila was a regional leader of the outlawed Lal Pataka, one of the factions of Purbo Banglar Communist Party. He was also a close associate of Lal Pataka founder Rony Biswas, who was killed in so-called encounter with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in 2008. Now stands extra judicially killed peoples totally 94 from January, 7 to September 26, 2009 in Bangladesh. Our demand is that, the government should immediately stop all types of extrajudicial killings as well as human rights violation. Previous report: Crossfire will be continue-Sheikh Hasina! By Jahangir Alam Akash, The government of Bangladesh has taken the line extra judicial killings. Being a Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also said extra judicial will go on. Though she was not told directly but she said indirectly clearly in favor of crossfire. It is very unfortunate for rule of law, democracy, constitution, Universal Declaration of human rights as well as the peoples of Bangladesh which was told our popular Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York. Sheikh Hasina talked with journalists in New York on 27th September, 2009. In that time on ‘crossfire’ she said, “I do not believe in extrajudicial killings. But if anyone launches an armed attack (on a law-enforcer), then none can get killed like sitting ducks.” Source: Bdnews24.com So, now we can say that, BNP-Jammat government was correct regarding crossfire? What about her (Sheikh Hasina) expression in this point, nation wants to know. Before her, Home Minister and state minister for Home were told same words. Previous report: ‘Extra judicial killings increasing in Bangladesh’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another person’s identified as Foshier Rahman Shanu, 42 was killed extra judicially by police in Sundorban, Khulna on 26th September, 2009. Now stands extra judicially killed peoples totally 93 from January, 7 to September 26, 2009 in Bangladesh. Previous report: ‘Extra judicial killings and Awami League government’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh going on gross human rights violation by the extra judicial killings. We seem government doesn’t want to obey the rule of law, constitution, Universal Declaration of human rights. Otherwise they would try to stop state killings in the name of so-called gunfight, encounter or crossfire. Two more peoples were killed in extra judicial killings by police and RAB. The killed Johnny, 28, was killed on 26th September at Mirpur in Dhaka by police. Another killed Mohon was killed by police and RAB on same day at Doulotpur in Kushtia. Both of killed are accused criminals. With these two, 92 were killed by state forces in last January, 7 to September 26, 2009 Previous report about extra judicial killings: ‘90 were killed extra judicially’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, Why the present government become a killers? Day by day has increasing the killings of extra judicial killings in Bangladesh. Another three were killed in extra judicial killings on 25th September, 2009. With these at least 90 peoples were killed by the state forces RAB-police in the name of so-called crossfire or encounter or gunfight in the present Mohajote (grand alliance) government led by Bangladesh Awami League from January, 7 to September 25, 2009. Two more accused criminals were killed in the name of encounter by RAB in Kushtia on 25th September, 2009. The killed are Aroz Ali, 36, and Edu Mondol, 40. Only in Kushtia at least 20 persons were killed in extra judicial killings by RAB and police in last one month. On the other hand a C&F businessman Abul Kalam Rana (40) was killed by RAB after brutally tortured in their custody in the same day in the capital of Dhaka. Another attempted to the extra judicial killings were happened by RAB in Mohammadpur of capital Dhaka on 24th September night. After shooting three persons were seriously injured. They were identified as Shakil, Faruk & Rana. They were admitted to the Pangu (disabled) Hospital. Previous report: ‘No right to life and human rights’! By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh has no right to life. Actually in practice there are no human rights. Almost every day peoples has been killed in extra judicial killings by so-called elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or by police. There is a common consensus that very poor governance, corruption and nepotism have severely undermined the rule of law including safeguards in the constitution to protect fundamental rights. This type of killings is a criminal’s offence. But, the government hasn’t taken departmental and criminal action against those who perpetrate such killings in custody and outside. Another citizen of Bangladesh was killed by government force. An accused extremist Rashedul Islam was killed in the name of so-called gun battle with the police early on 23rd September, 2009 in Kushtia. Rashed, is the son of late Rustam Ali of Mill Line Bhataparha of Kushtia Sadar. Source: Bdnews24.com With this killed person stood of the killed lists is 44 in last 54 days from 1st August to 23rd September, 2009 in Bangladesh. Previous report: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1168 At least 43 peoples were killed in last 50 days from 1st August to 19th September, 2009 in Bangladesh. Last killing was happened in Pabna on 19th September, 2009. An accused regional leader of outlawed Janajuddho was killed by police in the name of ‘crossfire’ at Nandanpur under Pabna Sadar Upazila. The dead, Sukkur Ali alias Boma Sukkur, 30, was son of Abdul Hakim Pramanik of Nandanpur village. Source: the daily Star, 20.9.2009 It is our great question that has in Bangladesh any rule of law, human rights, democracy and good governance? In Bangladesh have no right to life. Every day peoples has been killed in extra judicial killings by so-called elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or by police. Previous report: ‘Killing by government: violation of constitution and UN universal declaration’. http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1123 http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1165 We seem that, all the institutional system like judiciary, rule, law, regulations, and constitution, national assembly has been disabled. Not only that, the media role regarding so-called crossfire, gunfight or encounter is very bad. They only are publishing a normal report about the so-called shootout every day by the direction of RAB or police. Previous report: ‘If government wants to do continue extra judicial killings!’ http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1126 But, they didn’t try to cover as an investigator or as a responsible media. Because we know very well that, media should always publish real figure facts for the peoples and its’ they’re professional duties. Every peoples have right to know. But, the media of Bangladesh didn’t show their actual duties about the murders of state. Links of the previous reports: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1132 http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1135 http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1141 http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1150 Though, some human-rights organizations have long been asking the government to stop the killings terming them extra judicial. On the other hand, the High Court on 29th June, 2009 asked to the government to explain why killing without trial in extra judicial killings will not be declared illegal, and why departmental and criminal actions should not be taken against those who perpetrate such killings in custody and outside. After this ruling what happened, we don’t know. But, extra judicial killings are going on by violating the highest Court ruling. How it continuing? It’s very alarming for human rights, democracy as well as right to life. RAB was killed an alleged criminal Mohammad Ali, 25 at Mirpur outer Stadium on 18th September, 2009. Other unidentified one was killed in Chawgachha of Jessore by the police on same day. Mohammad Ali was killed at around 2:45am. Unidentified accused mugger was killed at Jessore-Chawgachha road at about 2:00am. Source: the daily Star, 19th September, 2009. Government source told, 577 people were killed in extra judicial killings in 472 incidents until August 31, 2009 since the formation of the elite force RAB on March 26, 2004 in the regime of BNP-Jammat. With these killing, the total of such extra-judicial killings to 42 in over six weeks from August 1 to September 18 in 2009 with them 19 such killings in August and 23 were in last 18 days. The government of Bangladesh has been violating the constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights day after day since 2004. With the direction of the article 35(5) of the constitution of Bangladesh and the article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’. And according to the article 3 of the constitution of Bangladesh ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.’ But in practice in Bangladesh has no right to life and not executed the Universal Declaration of human rights and the Constitution of Bangladesh. Please visit and see the bellows links about peace and democracy in Bangladesh (which were published in the oldest Bengali national daily Sangbad, Bangladesh) http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=12414&pub_no=133 (29-9-2009) http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=11921&pub_no=127 (20-09-2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=9004&pub_no=97 (21-08-2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=8651&pub_no=93 (17-8-2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7869&pub_no=84 (9-8-2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7054&pub_no=76 (31.7.2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=5535&pub_no=61 (16.07.2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=3545&pub_no=41 (26.06.2009) If Bangladesh wants to introduce own self as a civilized country to the world then must be follow strictly to the Universal Declaration of human rights and the Constitution of Bangladesh. Bangladesh government has taken dualism regarding extra judicial killings. They say to the international community that in Bangladesh has no extra judicial killings. On the other side, every day in Bangladesh was happened extra judicial killings in the name of so-called crossfire, gunfight or encounter. So we could say that the present government of Bangladesh is a liar. Because, before the last general election they told to the nation openly that, ‘if they would form power then they must stopped the extra judicial killings’. But, now it’s going on. We strongly condemned about the attitude of government regarding extra judicial killings. If the government wants betterment of Bangladesh and if they believe rule of law, constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights then they could firstly established rule of law. We want to say to the government please stop the extra judicial killings and should immediately start to trial against the war criminals. We believe that otherwise wouldn’t stop the Islamic militancy. 20.9.2009 Link of the previous report about the human rights situation in Bangladesh: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1171 RAB and my Journalism: 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. This personal history it’s a black chapter in my life. In conclusion we want to say that, the so-called crossfire, encounter or gunfight stories which made by RAB-police are totally false than reality. Terrorism never combat or control by state killings, we believe. Establish to rule of law is very essential for control to terrorism. Jahangir Alam Akash Editor & Publisher The Human Rights Today www.humanrightstoday.info Bangladesh.

Extra judicial killing lists stands 103 in present Awami regime

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Rule of law is one kind of golden dear in Bangladesh. In Bangladesh has no right to life. An extra judicial killing has not stopped in Bangladesh. Two more people were killed in ‘crossfire’ with law enforcers in Faridpur and Chuadanga early on October, 6, 2009. Source: the New Age, 7.10.2009.
With these took to 102 the total death figure from such extrajudicial killing such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ by the Rapid Action Battalion and the police since January 6 when the Awami League-led government assumed office. The deceased were Korban Ali, 42, of Chuadanga was killed by police, and Mohammad Labhlu Bepari, 34, of Faridpur was killed by RAB. Both were accused criminals.
On the other hand, in capital Dhaka three were killed by RAB and police on 5th October, 2009. The killed are Jane Alam Sohel, 26, Saizuddin Sazu, 30 and Pichi Abul, 32.
Link of the previous report: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1252
Bangladesh government has decided that, crossfire or extra judicial killings to continue. Though, this government was committed to stop extra judicial killings in front of the international community.

On 3rd October, 2009 another more two persons were killed in extra judicial killings. This, latest incident of extrajudicial killing took to 98 the number of total death figure from incidents such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ after January 6 when the Bangladesh Awami League-led government assumed office.
The government will need to continue with extrajudicial killing, commonly called ‘crossfire,’ until terrorist activities and extortion is uprooted, said a senior minister in Sheikh Hasina’s cabinet. Source: the New Age, 4.10.2009

Sources said, ‘A time will come when it will no longer be required,’ said the shipping minister, Shahjahan Khan, as he answered a question at the BBC’s Bangladesh Sanglap at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre on 3rd October, 2009. ‘No government wants to continue with extrajudicial killing. But we need to understand the reality. There are incidents trial of which is not possible under laws of the land,’ Shahjahan said, adding the government has no other option. He also said, ‘Nobody is interested in filing cases against the criminals who carry out terrorist act one after another. Under the circumstances what other option is left for the government?’

Three other Panelists of the dialogue and most of the audience were, however, opposed to the minister’s stand on the ‘crossfire’ as a means to end terrorist activities. In reply to a question, BNP leader Iqbal Hasan Mahmud said although the practice began during the immediate-past BNP government, it has now become clear that terrorist activities cannot be stopped even with ‘crossfire.’ ‘The practice of crossfire must be brought to an end as many good people are being killed,’ the former minister said.

Two more accused extremists were killed in the ‘crossfire’ with law enforcers in Chuadanga and Khulna on 3rd October, 2009. The deceased were Abu Sayeed Sarkar, also known as Ranga Sayeed, 32, and Abdur Rashid, also known as Mollah Rashid, 42.

Previous report link: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1234
By Jahangir Alam Akash, Extra judicial killings is a great human rights violation as well as its violation of the constitution and Universal Declaration of human rights. In spite of, extra judicial killings is going on in Bangladesh. Another one was killed in the name of so-called gunfight by joint forces (including RAB) on 1st October, 2009 at a garden of Chulkati-Niklepur in the Bagerhat district headquarters. Source: the New Age, 2.10.2009.

The deceased was Reazul Haque Masud, also known as Bidi Masud, a resident of Kathal in the upazila. He is an accused criminal. This, latest incident of extrajudicial killing took to 96 the number of total death figure from incidents such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ after January 6 when the Bangladesh Awami League-led government assumed office.
On the other hand, Habibur Rahman Mithu, 32, was a injured with bulet in same way so-called gunfight by Rab on 1st October, 2009 in Barisal. He was president of Agorpur union Jubo League under Babuganj upazila. Source: the daily Star, 2.10.2009
Previous report: ‘A false story about crossfire’

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Peoples of the Bangladesh are very well know about o-called crossfire/encounter/gunfight. After every extra judicial killings government was served a statement which was totally false story about the extra judicial killings.
95 peoples were killed by the state in the name of so-called crossfire or encounter or gunfight in the regime of present Awami League government since January 7 to September 30, 2009.

An accused terrorist was killed in so-called ‘crossfire’ with the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) at Faizullapur of Bheramara in Kushtia early on 30th September, 2009. The deceased, Asha alias Daku Asha, 35, was a resident of Raita at Bheramara. Source: the New Age, 1st October, 2009.

With Asha’s killed, the total killed figure from incidents of extrajudicial killing such as ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ or ‘gunfight’ rose to 5 after January 6 when the Awami League-led government assumed office. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Home Minister Sahara Khatun and state Minister for Home Shamsul Haque Tuku were taken the side for extra judicial killings direct or indirectly. Every extra judicial killings are the violation of constitution, International human rights treaty as well as rule of law.

Previous report

94 were killed extra judicially in present Awami League government
By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another person was killed in extra judicially by police in Chuadanga on 28th September, 2009. Government sources said, Kamirul Islam alias Hamidul, 45, of Chualia village under Damurhuda upazila was a regional leader of the outlawed Lal Pataka, one of the factions of Purbo Banglar Communist Party. He was also a close associate of Lal Pataka founder Rony Biswas, who was killed in so-called encounter with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in 2008. Now stands extra judicially killed peoples totally 94 from January, 7 to September 26, 2009 in Bangladesh. Our demand is that, the government should immediately stop all types of extrajudicial killings as well as human rights violation.
Previous report:

Crossfire will be continue-Sheikh Hasina!

By Jahangir Alam Akash, The government of Bangladesh has taken the line extra judicial killings. Being a Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also said extra judicial will go on. Though she was not told directly but she said indirectly clearly in favor of crossfire. It is very unfortunate for rule of law, democracy, constitution, Universal Declaration of human rights as well as the peoples of Bangladesh which was told our popular Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York. Sheikh Hasina talked with journalists in New York on 27th September, 2009. In that time on ‘crossfire’ she said, “I do not believe in extrajudicial killings. But if anyone launches an armed attack (on a law-enforcer), then none can get killed like sitting ducks.” Source: Bdnews24.com

So, now we can say that, BNP-Jammat government was correct regarding crossfire? What about her (Sheikh Hasina) expression in this point, nation wants to know. Before her, Home Minister and state minister for Home were told same words.
Previous report: ‘Extra judicial killings increasing in Bangladesh’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another person’s identified as Foshier Rahman Shanu, 42 was killed extra judicially by police in Sundorban, Khulna on 26th September, 2009. Now stands extra judicially killed peoples totally 93 from January, 7 to September 26, 2009 in Bangladesh.

Previous report: ‘Extra judicial killings and Awami League government’
By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh going on gross human rights violation by the extra judicial killings. We seem government doesn’t want to obey the rule of law, constitution, Universal Declaration of human rights. Otherwise they would try to stop state killings in the name of so-called gunfight, encounter or crossfire.
Two more peoples were killed in extra judicial killings by police and RAB. The killed Johnny, 28, was killed on 26th September at Mirpur in Dhaka by police. Another killed Mohon was killed by police and RAB on same day at Doulotpur in Kushtia. Both of killed are accused criminals. With these two, 92 were killed by state forces in last January, 7 to September 26, 2009
Previous report about extra judicial killings: ‘90 were killed extra judicially’
By Jahangir Alam Akash, Why the present government become a killers?
Day by day has increasing the killings of extra judicial killings in Bangladesh. Another three were killed in extra judicial killings on 25th September, 2009. With these at least 90 peoples were killed by the state forces RAB-police in the name of so-called crossfire or encounter or gunfight in the present Mohajote (grand alliance) government led by Bangladesh Awami League from January, 7 to September 25, 2009.

Two more accused criminals were killed in the name of encounter by RAB in Kushtia on 25th September, 2009. The killed are Aroz Ali, 36, and Edu Mondol, 40. Only in Kushtia at least 20 persons were killed in extra judicial killings by RAB and police in last one month.

On the other hand a C&F businessman Abul Kalam Rana (40) was killed by RAB after brutally tortured in their custody in the same day in the capital of Dhaka.
Another attempted to the extra judicial killings were happened by RAB in Mohammadpur of capital Dhaka on 24th September night. After shooting three persons were seriously injured. They were identified as Shakil, Faruk & Rana. They were admitted to the Pangu (disabled) Hospital.

Previous report: ‘No right to life and human rights’! By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh has no right to life. Actually in practice there are no human rights. Almost every day peoples has been killed in extra judicial killings by so-called elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or by police.

There is a common consensus that very poor governance, corruption and nepotism have severely undermined the rule of law including safeguards in the constitution to protect fundamental rights. This type of killings is a criminal’s offence. But, the government hasn’t taken departmental and criminal action against those who perpetrate such killings in custody and outside.

Another citizen of Bangladesh was killed by government force. An accused extremist Rashedul Islam was killed in the name of so-called gun battle with the police early on 23rd September, 2009 in Kushtia. Rashed, is the son of late Rustam Ali of Mill Line Bhataparha of Kushtia Sadar. Source: Bdnews24.com
With this killed person stood of the killed lists is 44 in last 54 days from 1st August to 23rd September, 2009 in Bangladesh.

Previous report: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1168
At least 43 peoples were killed in last 50 days from 1st August to 19th September, 2009 in Bangladesh. Last killing was happened in Pabna on 19th September, 2009.
An accused regional leader of outlawed Janajuddho was killed by police in the name of ‘crossfire’ at Nandanpur under Pabna Sadar Upazila. The dead, Sukkur Ali alias Boma Sukkur, 30, was son of Abdul Hakim Pramanik of Nandanpur village. Source: the daily Star, 20.9.2009

It is our great question that has in Bangladesh any rule of law, human rights, democracy and good governance? In Bangladesh have no right to life. Every day peoples has been killed in extra judicial killings by so-called elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or by police.

Previous report: ‘Killing by government: violation of constitution and UN universal declaration’.

http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1123
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1165
We seem that, all the institutional system like judiciary, rule, law, regulations, and constitution, national assembly has been disabled. Not only that, the media role regarding so-called crossfire, gunfight or encounter is very bad. They only are publishing a normal report about the so-called shootout every day by the direction of RAB or police. Previous report: ‘If government wants to do continue extra judicial killings!’ http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1126
But, they didn’t try to cover as an investigator or as a responsible media. Because we know very well that, media should always publish real figure facts for the peoples and its’ they’re professional duties. Every peoples have right to know. But, the media of Bangladesh didn’t show their actual duties about the murders of state.
Links of the previous reports:

http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1132
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1135
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1141
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1150
Though, some human-rights organizations have long been asking the government to stop the killings terming them extra judicial. On the other hand, the High Court on 29th June, 2009 asked to the government to explain why killing without trial in extra judicial killings will not be declared illegal, and why departmental and criminal actions should not be taken against those who perpetrate such killings in custody and outside. After this ruling what happened,
we don’t know.

But, extra judicial killings are going on by violating the highest Court ruling. How it continuing? It’s very alarming for human rights, democracy as well as right to life. RAB was killed an alleged criminal Mohammad Ali, 25 at Mirpur outer Stadium on 18th September, 2009. Other unidentified one was killed in Chawgachha of Jessore by the police on same day. Mohammad Ali was killed at around 2:45am. Unidentified accused mugger was killed at Jessore-Chawgachha road at about 2:00am. Source: the daily Star, 19th September, 2009.
Government source told, 577 people were killed in extra judicial killings in 472 incidents until August 31, 2009 since the formation of the elite force RAB on March 26, 2004 in the regime of BNP-Jammat. With these killing, the total of such extra-judicial killings to 42 in over six weeks from August 1 to September 18 in 2009 with them 19 such killings in August and 23 were in last 18 days.
The government of Bangladesh has been violating the constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights day after day since 2004. With the direction of the article 35(5) of the constitution of Bangladesh and the article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’.

And according to the article 3 of the constitution of Bangladesh ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.’ But in practice in Bangladesh has no right to life and not executed the Universal Declaration of human rights and the Constitution of Bangladesh.

Please visit and see the bellows links about peace and democracy in Bangladesh (which were published in the oldest Bengali national daily Sangbad,
Bangladesh)
http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=11921&pub_no=127 (20-09-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=9004&pub_no=97 (21-08-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=8651&pub_no=93 (17-8-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7869&pub_no=84 (9-8-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7054&pub_no=76 (31.7.2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=5535&pub_no=61 (16.07.2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=3545&pub_no=41 (26.06.2009)
If Bangladesh wants to introduce own self as a civilized country to the world then must be follow strictly to the Universal Declaration of human rights and the Constitution of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh government has taken dualism regarding extra judicial killings. They say to the international community that in Bangladesh has no extra judicial killings. On the other side, every day in Bangladesh was happened extra judicial killings in the name of so-called crossfire, gunfight or encounter.
So we could say that the present government of Bangladesh is a liar. Because, before the last general election they told to the nation openly that, ‘if they would form power then they must stopped the extra judicial killings’. But, now it’s going on. We strongly condemned about the attitude of government regarding extra judicial killings.

If the government wants betterment of Bangladesh and if they believe rule of law, constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights then they could firstly established rule of law. We want to say to the government please stop the extra judicial killings and should immediately start to trial against the war criminals. We believe that otherwise wouldn’t stop the Islamic militancy. 20.9.2009
Link of the previous report about the human rights situation in Bangladesh: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1171
In conclusion we want to say that, the so-called crossfire, encounter or gunfight stories which made by RAB-police are totally false than reality. Terrorism never combat or control by state killings, we believe. Establish to rule of law is very emergency for control to terrorism.

Jahangir Alam Akash
Editor & Publisher
The Human Rights Today
www.humanrightstoday.info
Bangladesh.

Professor Galib, Islamic militancy and Mayor Liton!

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Dr. Muhammad Asadullah-Al-Galib is a professor of Rajshahi University for Arabic department in Bangladesh. In last BNP-Jammat regime he was arrested with the accusing on militancy. But, now he is freed on bail. Mayor of Rajshahi City Corporation and a central member of present ruling party Bangladesh Awami League was given a statement in favor of Galib. After then, he was freed. But Dr. Galib has still involved with militancy. Source: the daily Star, 3.10.2009.

Asadullah Al Galib, chief of the militant outfit Ahle Hadith Andolon Bangladesh (Ahab), is still engaged in spreading militancy and spending money from unknown sources. The Ahab men, mostly divided, with no visible sources of income, are providing monthly salaries to some madrasa teachers for organisational activities.

This was alleged by leaders of Jamaat-e Ahle Hadith (Jah), an Ahab splinter group and the authorities of Al Markajul Islami As-Salafi Madrassa, in a joint press conference in the city on 2nd October, 2009. The press conference was addressed by Rejaul Karim, secretary general of Jah and a teacher of Bogra Azizul Haque College, and Abdus Samad Salafi, superintendent and principal of the madrasa. Galib was arrested in February 22, 2005 as many arrested JMB militants named him as their spiritual leader, and he was implicated in nine cases. However, Galib was bailed out from jail in September 2008.

Abdus Samad Salafi alleged that Galib and some of his loyal teachers have been sheltering outsiders, mostly university and college students at the dormitories of Al Markajul Islami As-Salafi at Nawdapara in Rajshahi city. The pro-Ahab teachers led by Abdur Razzak Bin Yousuf often hold meetings with the outsiders at the madrasa mosque at midnight.

Although the madrasa is an institute under a NGO named Tawhid Trust and approved by Bangladesh Madrasa Education Board, Galib has been carrying out illegal activities of Ahab from the madrasa. Several other Ahab groups including Ahle Hadith Jubo Sangha, whose members were involved with the banned Jamaa’atul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and Sonamoni are also functioning from the same campus. Ahab is also publishing a monthly magazine named At Tahreek from the madrasa, although its printer’s line claimed its address as Hadith Foundation at Kajla area.

Rejaul Karim said when he was at Ahab; Galib had introduced him to JMB’s executed chief Shayakh Abdur Rahman in 2002. “Rahman sought my help for launching an armed struggle to stage an Islamic revolution in the country, but I refused terming it a stupid idea.” he claimed.

“Later I left the organisation following Galib’s militant connections and financial anomalies,” he said, adding, “For playing a role against Galib, the JMB militants threatened me many times.”

Rejaul said with the help of Galib, the JMB men used the facilities of some 1000 mosques across the country with the support of Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS), a Kuwait-based organisation that has been already expelled from the country for funding militancy through Ahab.

Galib founded Tawhid Trust, but he was expelled from it for embezzling its fund of Tk 5 crore provided by Kuwait Embassy and RIHS. Also known as Jomiatul Ehya-ut Turaj, the RIHS built the Nawdapara madrasa and a clinic at the madrasa compound that Galib is now forcibly using as his residence.

The link of previous report about Islamic militancy: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?cat=29

Jahangir Alam Akash
Editor & Publisher
The Human Rights Today
www.humanrightstoday.info
Bangladesh.

29 journalists-writer killed in Bangladesh

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Journalists killings and torture is another common practice in Bangladesh. Another journalist named Abdul Hannan, 30, was killed by shot dead at Demra in Dhaka. Source: BDNews24.com, 2nd October, 2009. He was worked with the daily Rupali. Though, this newspaper is closed. With this murder total 29th journalist and writer were killed in last 16 years in Bangladesh.

Press freedom is another golden dear in Bangladesh. Journalist’s killings and repression is a common phenomenon in here. The latest Patuakhali incident apart, harassment either in the form of physical torture or filing false cases is on the rise in recent days across the country. At least 130 journalists felt prey to various types of harassments in the country since January.

Two journalists were killed, 46 injured, 11 assaulted, 13 attacked, one abducted, 43 threatened and three sued in past eight months till August. Unidentified terrorists at Mirer Bazar in Gazipur killed the executive editor of ‘Samprotik Somoy’ MM Ahsan Bari on August 26, this year. In the same year on 3rd July was killed a young community journalist Rana at Uttara in capital city of Dhaka. With these a total of 28 journalists and writer were killed in last 16 years in the country.

In 2007, 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. I (Jahangir Alam Akash) was also tortured with electric shocked by army (RAB) and they also hung me with the ceiling for 15 hours with blind folded and with a black mask. Cartoonist Arifur Rahman arrested and sent to the jail for made a cartoon. Though, he was freed from jail later and he was freed from the case by the court ordered.

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.

On April 13 of 2009, Gofforgaon upazilla under Mymensing district journalist Biblop was tortured by the supporters of ruling party lawmakers. In last 16 years almost 28 journalists and one writer were murdered in Bangladesh including Manik Saha, Deponkar Chakraborty, Goutam Das, Humayun Kabir Balu, Shamsur Rahman Cable, Harun-ur-Rashid Khokon, Saiful Alam Mukul, and 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.

Watch these:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHqyDmeLpvc(part-1)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9P1mZ7zKww (part-2)

A journalist from Chuadanga of daily Amar Desh Ariful Islam is still in jail with a politically motivated case filed by government supporters. In same district another journalist Shah Alam of Prothom-Alo is flew from his home place after he was attempting to kill by the ruling party men. In Patuakhali some journalists are feared and faces with the fabricated charged after publishing reports against the local member of parliament of ruling party.

The killed journalists and writer are 1) Manik Saha (Khulna), 15 January, 2004, 2) Humayun Kabir Balu(Khulna), 27 June, 2005, 3) Shamsur Rahman Cable (Jessore), 16 July, 2000, 4) Harun-ur-Rashid Khokon (Khulna), April, 2003, 5) Saiful Alam Mukul (Jessore), 30 August, 1998, 6) Dipankar Chakrabarty (Bogura), 20 October, 2004, 7) Goutam Das (Faridpur), Sheikh Belaluddin (Khulna), 2005, 9) S.M. Alauddin (Satkhira), 19 June, 1996, 10) Golam Mazed (Jessore), 11) Mir Ilias Hossen Dileep (Jhenidha), 15 January, 2000, 12) Shukur Ali alias Shukur Hossen (Dumuria-Khulna), 5 July, 2002, 13) Nahar Ali (Dumuria-Khulna), 18 April, 2001, 14) Ahsan Ali (Rupgonj-Narayangonj), 20 July, 2001, 15) Kazi Md. Kamruzzaman (Nilfhamari),1996, 16) Syed Faruk Ahamed (Shrimongol-Moulobhi Bazar), May, 2002, 17) Bazlur Rahman (Chuadanga), 18) Kamal Hossen (Khagrachari), 21 August, 2004, 19) Anwar Apolo, 20) Abdul Latif Nabil, 21) Zamaluddin (Rangamati), 5 March, 2007, 22) Nurul Islam Rana (Uttara-Dhaka), 3 July, 2009, 23) M.M.Ahsan Bari (Gagipur-Dhaka), 26 August, 2009, 24) popular writer Dr. Humayun Azad (Dhaka University), 27 February, 2004, 25) Sarwarul Alam Noman (Mymensing), 1995, 26) Faruk Hossen (Jessore), 27) Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury (Jessore), 1994, 28) Rezaul Karim Reza and 29) Abdul Hannan(Demra, Dhaka).

In Bangladesh, justice and press freedom is a golden dear. Those who are involves in corruptions they always controlled by the governments. Presents trends of media are that, black money holders are coming in the ownership of media house. So, journalists are firstly, self censored for their owners. Another media controlled key is advertisement of government.

That is why; media is not playing good role for the peoples. For media freedom, another problem is that in Bangladesh has no definition about contempt to court and defamation. So, always, media has fearing regarding these. Which content will go to contempt to court or defamation for publishing? Media peoples have not known this. Only for this recently famous national daily the Prothom Alo has charged with contempt to court.

There have no national broadcasting rule. Though, we got recently right to information act and community radio rule. Now, we are waiting for see what would come better for media freedom of these two rules. On the other hand, many law including official secrecy act which are big barrier for press freedom.

Journalist’s communities in Bangladesh are waiting for justice of their killed and tortured colleagues. I think, in Bangladesh if society has not changed as qualitative then press freedom is so far from practically. In practice, has no rule of law, good governance in Bangladesh. Whole nation politically, socially divided by two major groups. Journalist’s community has also divided by two groups and also they have lack of professionalism.

Though, 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.

Previous report about press freedom in Bangladesh link is: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1228

Jahangir Alam Akash
Editor & Publisher
The Human Rights Today
www.humanrightstoday.info
Bangladesh.

Rule of law democracy and Bangladesh

By Jahangir Alam Akash, We have been passing around 38 years after independence. But, the war criminals are still very active badly. In Bangladesh, most of the political party are using religious in politics. Almost whole system turned to the criminalization, Islamalization, corruption, no accountability, no responsibility, disabled democracy in Bangladesh are burning problems. And gross poverty, natural disaster, climate change, education system, no good plan, no rule of law are the main problem of Bangladesh. War criminals, Jammat and militant are similar. These three components are very danger for secularism. But they are still active in Bangladesh. Dishonesty, immorality, irregularities, irresponsibility, corruption, you can find every where in Bangladesh.
Islamic militant group still are very organized. They have been running arms and explosives training camp. Another terrorists group members are killings in the name of crossfire, encounter or gunfight by the state forces. But, administration hasn’t taking with extra judicial killings to the militants. Yet, hadn’t taken in front of trial to the shelter men (those who were patron to the militants) of militants. Money sources of militants are still hide.

As a journalist, writer & human rights defender I have been working since 1989. I wrote four books about Islamic militancy, extra judicial killings, and state torture. The books are ‘15 hours in total Darkness’ ‘extra judicial killings and Revenge’ Militant Godfathers and other issues’ and ‘From Udichi to Pilkhana’. My new book in English language ‘Struggle for Peace’ about minority and indigenous oppression, democracy, peace and Islamic militancy, extra judicial killings, state torture will be publish very soon.
Sample of my recent write-up:
Please visit and see the bellows links about peace and democracy in Bangladesh (which were published in the oldest Bengali national daily Sangbad,
Bangladesh)

http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=11921&pub_no=127 (20-09-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=9004&pub_no=97 (21-08-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=8651&pub_no=93 (17-8-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7869&pub_no=84 (9-8-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7054&pub_no=76 (31.7.2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=5535&pub_no=61 (16.07.2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=3545&pub_no=41 (26.06.2009)

I worked for Ekushey Television, the Dainik Bangla, the Banglar Bani, The daily Ajker Kagoj, DW-Radio (Bengali service), Associated Press of Bangladesh, first 24 hours news private tV station CSB News and the daily Sangbad. At present I am the Editor of press freedom and human rights news portall in Bangladesh ‘The Human Rights Today’. I have completed B.A (Hons.), M.A in Philosophy from Philosophy department and Post Graduate Diploma in Civic Journalism from Mass Communication and Journalism department of Rajshahi University in Bangladesh.
When I worked as a TV reporter in Bangladesh, I made several investigative report and many report aired in first 24 hours news channel in Bangladesh CSB News. Though, later army backed caretaker government was closed the TV by an administrative order. These are Investigative report on extra judicial killings, Islamic militancy & Minority torture in Bangladesh. These reports were made by myself. For this reason, I was implicated political motivated false multiple cases and illegally arrested, brutal tortured and detained. Recently I was uploaded some video documentary regarding extra judicial killings, Islamic militancy and Minority torture. Here I want to mention that, I was implicated false fabricated charges and political motivated several cases and also illegally arrested, brutal tortured and detained by Bangladesh Army (RAB). Still I have been facing two political motivated false cases.
[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1G8BUvZ_mc[/URL]
[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cHqyDmeLpvc[/URL] (part-1)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p9P1mZ7zKww[/URL] (part-2)
[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xzaCRYCkqs [/URL] (BIHR part-1)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BthGnl-WEGo[/URL] (BIHR part-2)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnyyJHp3ET0[/URL] (BIHR part-3)
[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qis3lwvtRi4[/URL] (Extra judicial killings-Maznu)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MA-RF1LnIao [/URL] (Minority killings)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqR-hfp_Z3c[/URL] (Islamic militancy-5 Badsha)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVcacTePIEw [/URL] (Islamic militancy, crossfire -6 Major Rashid)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFcWErPEDNQ[/URL] (Islamic militancy-4 Bashar)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVsWw6ScBak [/URL] (Islamic militancy-1 Khejur)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3hgy1UcDBeY [/URL] (Islamic militancy-2 Rabeya)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Jt1ZvhxonM [/URL] (Islamic militancy-3 Mother of Zia)

[URL]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8BIxX1eiHM[/URL] (Islamic militancy-1 MP Ishrafil)
Bangladesh has failed to introduce credible mechanisms for accountability and performance at all levels of the administration. There is a common consensus that very poor governance, corruption and nepotism have severely undermined the rule of law including safeguards in the constitution to protect fundamental rights. Actually in practice there are no human rights.
Bangladesh is one of the over populated country in the world. Bangladesh has passed his around 38 years since independence. Bangladesh couldn’t confirm the trial of war criminals and hasn’t given the punished of self declared killers of the Bangabondhu murderer. Bangladesh every day is struggling himself with poverty. Other more problems have like human rights, corruption, democracy, rule of law, discrimination, education, housing, food, cloths, natural disasters, Islamic militancy, conspiracy, colonial rule, good governance, peace and justice etc.
The Peoples Republic of Bangladesh was liberated on 16th December, 1971 after a nine (9) months war with Pakistan. Though the war was of 9 months but the people struggled for a long time of about 23 years to establish their right and autonomy. Misgoverning of Pakistan creates disparity among the Bangalee (East Pakistan) and West Pakistan. The ruler of Pakistan failed to co-operate with the leadership of Bangalee people.

The Bangalees were determined to establish their autonomy. They woned the general election held in December, 1970 with the leadership of Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and have got absolute majority. But the ruler of Pakistan and some of their leaders of West Pakistan refused to hand over the power to the elected persons and attacked the general people of Bengali speaking and their leaders.

The leader of the Bangalee people Sheikh Mujibur Rahman declared independence of People Republic of Bangladesh on 26th March, 1971 and the liberation war started 30 lacs of Bangalee people were killed, two lacs of women were raped, lacs of house, establishments were destroyed and the Bangladesh was established over the ruins.

The vision of the people at the time of liberation was to establish a democratic, happy, prosperous Bangladesh which will be called ‘Sonar Bangla’ (Golden Bangla). It was also the commitment of the father of the nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman. But it is not fulfilled yet though it was possible if we would try to reach the goal unitedly. Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was killed within three years and a half after independence and other four national leaders also were killed.

In 1975, the military occupied the control of Bangladesh which was continued up to 1991 in different names and different ways. Then after a long demonstration parliamentary form of government established in 1991 though we can say that the actual sound democracy didn’t established yet.
In January of 2007 again military had taken the control of Bangladesh in the name of caretaker government. After around two years Bangladesh has got taken democratic government after a fresh general election. Though, in the name of democracy Bangladesh has been controlling. Actual democracy and peace is a golden dear in Bangladesh. The human rights are being hampered in different ways.
Another big problem is that, Bangladesh was spent around 17 years under military rule. For the first time democracy was restored in 1990 after a public revolution. But, after gross political violence Bangladesh went under military rule on last 11th January, 2007. Bangladesh has gotten again freedom from military rule by the election on 29th December, 2009. In spite of, Bangladesh has been criticized for its human rights record. Still extra judicial killings, journalist’s repression, and minority torture has been going on.
In the period of last elected government headed by Begum Khaleda Zia many people were killed extra judicially by the government forces. The people of opposition and minority people were also tortured-killed indifferent issues and ways in different times, their wealth were looted and some of them were also disposed of their property and from their house even.

In the regime of BNP-Jammat government many prominent personalities were killed and many of them were tortured. After that a neutral caretaker government headed by the President professor Iajuddin Ahmed formed for a period of three months whose role was in support of Khaleda-Nizami alliance for that reason Bangladesh Awami League alliance started movement against that caretaker government and in front of huge political disorder Army got opportunity of it and take over power in the name of another caretaker government headed by Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed violating the constitution of Bangladesh.
The so-called caretaker government dominated Bangladesh for a term of about two years which was total violation of the constitution. In this regime this autocratic government banded some rights of the people grantee in constitution. They arrested many political leaders, journalists, businessmen, Ngo workers, professors, students, civil officials, and started cases with physical and mental tortured. The country was again fall into economic crisis and the poor people were suffered seriously in different ways.

Recently in last January the newly elected government formed headed by Sheikh Hasina getting 3/4th majority in the parliament. The expectation of the people is very high to the new elected government. Just after one month of framing the government, we had to face a big problem. In the head quarter of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) 75 persons (women) were killed including 58 Army high officials. Many women’s were raped by the killers.

Some unruly BDR killed their chief and other high officials which was a crucial time for the government. The investigation is not completed about this happening. There is a gossip that some Islamic militant organizations or people might behind this happenings. The bruit majority in the parliament is also creating some problems. In some places the workers of the ruling party are violating rules and order for previous enmity and in some place to earn some benefit.
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. It was a commitment of the present government to stop the extra judicial killings though it is not ended till now.
Editor
The Human Rights Today
jahangiralamakash@gmail.com
www.humanrifgtstoday.info
www.youtube.com/user/jaakashbd

Goutam killed in Durgapuja

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another minority was killed in a clash between two groups of Durga Puja supporters in the capital city Dhaka at night on 28th September, 2009. The killed identified as Goutam Sarker, 33. He was a resident of 47 Farasganj Lane, Sutrapur.He was also the president of Awami Sechasebok League of 79 ward of Dhaka. Goutam was shot dead. At the same time other 12 were injured. The family members of Goutam told, ‘it is a planned murder. And a clear political cause have regarding Goutam murder.’ Source: the daily Sangbad & the New Age, 30.9.2009.
Sources said, two groups of Puja organisers of Shaymbazar and Busher Gali (Panchbari) picked up a brawl over immersion of Durga at about 12:30am on 28th September. The clash erupted when a group of unknown revellers threw empty bottles of soft drinks on members of Shaymbazar Puja committee near Lalkuthi area. Gautam also was an organiser of Shaymbazar Puja committee.
As some revellers of Shaymbazar committee protested the incident, Busher Gali revellers swooped on them, triggering a violent clash between the two groups.
They attacked each others with lethal weapons and fire arms. At one stage, Gautam sustained bullets injuries and later died on his way to Dhaka Medical College hospital, police said.
Suranjit, a friend of the victim’s younger brother told ‘A gang of armed assailants fired two gunshots on Gautam at point blank on his chest and face in front of Lalkuthi Club at around 12:45am when they were returning after immersion of the Durga deity.’
He was rushed to nearby National Medical College Hospital and soon afterwards shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital where doctors on duty declared him dead at around 3:20am. The injured were treated at different local clinics while Pankaj was undergoing treatment at Dhaka Medical College Hospital till on 28th September night.
Other injured are Pankaj Sarker, 25, Horishi, 26 and Boidhy 18. They were injured by shot.
http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=12414&pub_no=133

Ittefaq was charged with defamation

By Jahangir Alam Akash, The oldest national Bengali daily newspaper Ittefaq was charged with defamation.
A defamation case was filed on 29th September, 2009 against the top four officials of the Daily Ittefaq including one of the owners Barrister Mainul Hosein and editor Rahat Khan. Source: the New Age, 30.9.2009
Sources said, Two businessmen, Shawkat Ali Khan Bipul and Haider Ali Khan Bulbul, also brothers, filed the case with Dhaka Chief Metropolitan Magistrate’s Court.The two other defendants are publisher of the daily Saju Hosein and reporter Zamiul Ahsan Shipu. Metropolitan magistrate AKM Emdadul Haque will hear the case on 30th September, 2009.
The case details say a story the daily carried on September 16 headlined, ‘Terrorism in Mirpur, 125 enlisted by RAB’ called the brothers ‘terrorists’. The complainant of the case told his case brief that, the report was ‘totally wrong, planned and defamatory’.
http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=12414&pub_no=133

46 BDR were killed regarding mutiny!

By Jahangir Alam Akash, In custody BDR men killings going on in the name of heart attacked or other illness in Bangladesh. After torture BDR has been died, but government said it was not true. They said, the BDR men were died with heart attacked or other illness. Around 4,000 BDR men were ready to trial for mutity. On 25-26 February, 2009 BDR were revolt for their human rights. In mutiny 75 were killed including women and civilians. Another two BDR jawans died on 27th and 28th September, 2009. Source: the daily Star, 29.9.2009.
Another BDR member Shawkat Osman, 28, died at Mitford Hospital on 27th September, 2009 night. He was an accused in the BDR mutiny and was at the Kashimpur Jail. And Osman fell sick in the jail on same day and was taken to Mitford Hospital afternoon where he died at night. BDR killings after torture lists raising day by day. With these 46 BDR men were died in custody since the paramilitary mutiny in February 25-26, 2009.
Sources said, of these 46 deaths, autopsies of 11 BDR members were conducted through the New Market police. Quoting the earlier autopsy reports, New Market police confirmed that two of these jawans were killed. The victims were lance nayek Mobarak Hossain of Battalion-29 and havildar Mahiuddin of Battalion-28 of Chittagong. Mobarak Hossain died on March 23 while Mahiuddin on May 5 at Dhaka Medical College Hospital.
Earlier this year, families of the two jawans brought allegations of murder. Meanwhile, Nayek Nurul Amin, 48, of Patuakhali, died of cardiac arrest on 28th September, 2009 at around 11:00am. His body has been sent to Patuakhali. Nurul Amin was serving at Khanpur Border Outpost (BOP) under Talaimari BDR Company in Rajshahi. He was taken to Rajshahi Medical College Hospital on 28th September. He was declared dead there. His autopsy report read that he died of cardiac arrest.

Previous report: By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another two Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) members tortured and struggle for their life while they were in safe custody. The tortured were admitted to the Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) on 14th September, 2009. They were tortured by the members of Task Force for Interrogation (TFI) cell during questioning about BDR mutiny case. Members of the TFI cell and New Market police admitted them at around 5:00pm. Source: the daily Star, 15th September, 2009.
Sources said, the ailing BDR members are Reazul Islam, 22, of Battalion-5 in Khagrachhari, and Mohammad Arafat, 24, of Battalion-13 in Dhaka. Both the BDR members were present at BDR Headquarters during the so-called mutiny on February 25-26. They bore severe injury marks on their knees, which indicate they suffered torture, sources added.
While lying on the DMCH bed, one of the BDR members said, "We were tortured brutally during the interrogation since we had been taken to the TFI cell on 10th September, 2009." New Market Police Station officer-in-charge told, "We were told from Pilkhana over phone about the sickness of two BDR members and then our men took the members to hospital." Asked about the sickness of the two members, Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police Abdul Kahar Akand of CID said, "I heard about the sickness but yet to know the cause as they were being interrogated under TFI cell." "We have taken 16 more jawans on Thursday for interrogation under TFI cell," Akand, also the main investigating officer of the mutiny case, added.
Mentioned that, at least 39 BDR members were unnaturally death and most of were died after brutal tortured. The authority couldn't submit the investigation report about unnatural death of the BDR members in last long four months. The probe committee has demand another two months for investigation.
Who were the masterminds of so-called BDR mutiny nation couldn't know. When would be clear about mutiny we don't have no idea. Because, in Bangladesh after every incident from government side says, 'we would find out the culprits and they should be punished'. But, after some day's masterminds of the said incident goes to more dark. It's a culture of Bangladesh. And the killers, criminals are always getting impunity.
On 25-26th February, 2009 at Pilkhana BDR headquarters some of BDR members were revolt and during that time they were mass killings to the meritorious army, looting their money, gold and other wealth's, mass raped to army officers wife, daughter. By so-called mutineers killed at least 75 persons including 58 meritorious army officers. It was a gross human rights violation after the brutal killings of the father of the nation Bangabondhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in Bangladesh.
We want to see fair trial about the real and accused mutineer. We know that, some BDR members already died after torture during the detention. Whole nation are waiting for see the justice regarding BDR mutiny. We also want to see the enquiry report about BDR mutiny and killings.
Writer:
Editor of the Human Rights Today
jahangiralamakash@gmail.com
www.humanrightstoday.info

Press freedom and journalist repression

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Journalist Azmal Haque Helal was attacked by terrorists on 27th September, 2009 in Pirojpur. He is a senior reporter for the daily Jaijaidin in Bangladesh. Why he was attacked, we don’t know. But, in front of police he was attacked. Police wasn’t arrest the attackers. Source: BDNews24.com
Journalist Helal was attacked by some terrorist in a Puja place at Tushkhali in Mothbaria in Pirojpur on 27th September at night during the religious festival of Hindu community.
Journalist Helal said, ‘I was catched two attackers named Rumman and Shamim. But other attackers were taken them byforced from Helal. When the incident was happening police was seen, but not help to safe journalist Helal, he added.
Previous report: ‘‘MP ism’ and press freedom in Bangladesh’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh press freedom attacked by the law makers of ruling party Bangladesh Awami League. One after another attacked on journalist by ruling party men, but the government hasn’t taken any action against the perpetrator of journalists. Journalist’s killings, tortures and oppression are very common feature in Bangladesh. The present government of Bangladesh has committed to the peoples for mass media freedom. But, in practice hasn’t like commitment.

The latest Patuakhali incident apart, harassment either in the form of physical torture or filing false cases is on the rise in recent days across the country. At least 130 journalists felt prey to various types of harassments in the country since January (reports Odhiker). Two journalists were killed, 46 injured, 11 assaulted, 13 attacked, one abducted, 43 threatened and three sued in past eight months till August. Unidentified terrorists at Mirer Bazar in Gazipur killed the executive director of ‘Samprotik Somoy’ MM Ahsan Bari on August 26 this year. A total of 25 journalists were killed in last 16 years in the country.
Links of previous reports regarding press freedom:

http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=931
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=874
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=858
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1117
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1068
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1062
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=993
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1117
After gross threatening two journalists from Patuakhali and Chuadanga were flew from their home district with their family. The flu journalists are Israt Hossain Lipton from Patuakhali and Shah Alam from Chuadanga. Both of them working for the bengali daily Prothom Alo. On the other hand government has been withdrawn the cases against ruling party men as a political motivated case which were filed in the regime of army backed caretaker government. But, the political motivated and false-fabricated cases against journalists which were filed in the same regime are still pending. Though, the government has declared the cases against journalists would be withdrawn.

The reports of the two journalist siblings on encroachment on a river in coastal Patuakhali drew flak from local ruling party lawmaker and a number of ‘false cases’ were filed against them reportedly under political instigations. Four cases were filed one after another against the two journalists of the Prothom Alo and the Amar Desh at Golachipa in Patuakhali–Israt Hossain Lipton and Saimon Rahman Alit–in last one week allegedly by the cronies of Awami League lawmaker Golam Moula Roni. Reports: the daily Star, 18.9.2009.
Sources said, the cases were filed in a bid to avenge their reports on grabbing land on a riverbank and setting up a market under the direct patronage of the local lawmaker, family of the journalists claimed.
The Prothom Alo and the Amar Desh carried the reports on August 21 and on August 27, 2009. Lipton’s wife and daughter left their Golachipa town residence and moved to their village home amidst repeated threats from ruling party cadres, family members claimed. On September 8, Moslem Bayati filed an extortion case against two journalist brothers with local police station at Galachipa. The second case a rape charge against Lipton was filed by one Nilufa Begum, wife of Selim of Chhotoshiba village under Char Kajal union in the upazila, on September 10, 2009.

Same source told, Laizu Begum, another woman of the same area, filed an extortion case against Lipton and Alit claiming that they took Tk 9,000 from her assuring her of allotting a house under Sidr recovery programme implemented by the Prothom Alo. The last case was filed by Hamidullah of Golachipa municipality area on September 13, 2009 claiming that Lipton and Alit took Tk 30,000 from him promising that a house under the same programme would be allotted to him. While police registered all these cases against the Prothom Alo and Amar Desh Golachipa correspondents, they have so far declined to entertain a case filed by a journalist on September 9, 2009 on charge of attacks on newsmen by the cadres loyal to local MP.

Patuakhali district correspondent for RTV Saluddin filed the case accusing 20/25 persons, all known as cronies of local lawmaker including Israt Hossain Abbas, president of BCL Golachipa upazila unit, as they attacked on two journalists Salahuddin, and Abu Taher Bappa, district correspondent for Bangla Vision, on September 9 when they were going to Golachipa from Patuakhali for their professional duties. A RAB-8 team rescued the journalists from the gang’s grip after two hours on the day. The ruling party cadres also kept confined three more journalists–Sankar Lal Das, Patuakhali correspondent for the daily Prothom Alo and ABC Radio, Khondokar Delwar Jalali, Patuakhali correspondent for Channel One and Hanjala Shihab, Patuakhali correspondent for Digonta TV, on the day in an attempt to prevent them from covering river grabbing issue. Benapol correspondent of the daily Sangbad Debul Kumar Das was seriously injured by a group of criminals at Benapol in Jessore on 13 August, 2009.

In Chuadanga, the Amar Desh correspondent Dalim Hossain has been put behind bars after a ruling party lawmaker from Chuadanga, Solaiman Haque Joarder Salon and his brother municipality mayor Reazul Islam filed a case on September 1 against 80 including two journalists Dalim Hossain and Shah Alam of the Prothom Alo.

Mr. Motiur Rahman, a prominent and pioneer journalist and the editor of famous national Bengali daily Prothom-Alo wrote with a commentary column about the present situation of press freedom in Bangladesh. (Source: Prothom-Aöo, 17th September, 2009). We congratulate to him for his informative and very good write-up. The regime of BNP-Jammat hundreds journalists were brutally tortured and some many were killed. We don’t have any idea in that time how many special column he had written about press freedom?
We know very well to Mr. Rahman. He is playing glorious role in the media world in Bangladesh from long time. We saw when the journalists of Prothom-Alo attacked then he raised voice against journalist’s repression. See the link: http://www.drishtipat.org/blog/2007/10/30/meet-the-tipu-sultan-of-2007/
In the regime of army backed caretaker government many journalists were brutally tortured by army. Even, a cartoonist Arifur Rahman of Prothom-Alo was arrest by the pressure of Islamic group. Tasneem Khalil of the daily Star was brutal tortured by DGFI. But, Mr. Rahman was silent in that time, even still.
And I also illegally arrested, inhumanly tortured and detained by army (RAB) in the same regime. Still I have been facing two false and fabricated cases.
Please watch my torture history: 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)
I was victimized with four false, fabricated and political motivated cases in the regime of caretaker government.

Our hope, the government should keep and protect the press freedom as their commitment. Without press freedom we can’t imagine democracy. So, for the peace, rule of law and democracy have very essential to safe the press freedom. We have demand to the government that, please bring to the perpetrators of all killers-torturers and protect human rights, democracy, peace, rule of law and constitution. We don’t want MP ism, but we want to peace, rule of law, actual democracy, equality and justice. 18.9.2009

94 were killed extra judicially in present Awami League government

By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another person was killed in extra judicially by police in Chuadanga on 28th September, 2009. Government sources said, Kamirul Islam alias Hamidul, 45, of Chualia village under Damurhuda upazila was a regional leader of the outlawed Lal Pataka, one of the factions of Purbo Banglar Communist Party. He was also a close associate of Lal Pataka founder Rony Biswas, who was killed in so-called encounter with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in 2008. Now stands extra judicially killed peoples totally 94 from January, 7 to September 26, 2009 in Bangladesh. Our demand is that, the government should immediately stop all types of extrajudicial killings as well as human rights violation.
Previous report:
Crossfire go on-Sheikh Hasina!
By Jahangir Alam Akash, The government of Bangladesh has taken the line extra judicial killings. Being a Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also said extra judicial will go on. Though she was not told directly but she said indirectly clearly in favour of crossfire. It is very unfortunate for rule of law, democracy, constitution, Universal Declaration of human rights as well as the peoples of Bangladesh which was told our popular Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in New York . Sheikh Hasina talked with journalists in New York on 27th September, 2009. In that time on 'crossfire' she said, "I do not believe in extrajudicial killings. But if anyone launches an armed attack (on a law-enforcer), then none can get killed like sitting ducks." Source: Bdnews24.com
So, now we can say that, BNP-Jammat government was correct regarding crossfire? What about her (Sheikh Hasina) expression in this point, nation wants to know. Before her, Home Minister and state minister for Home were told same words.
Previous report: ‘Extra judicial killings increasing in Bangladesh’ By Jahangir Alam Akash, Another persons identified as Foshier Rahman Shanu, 42 was killed extra judicially by police in Sundorban, Khulna on 26th September, 2009. Now stands extra judicially killed peoples totally 93 from January, 7 to September 26, 2009 in Bangladesh.
Previous report: ‘Extra judicial killings and Awami League government’
By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh going on gross human rights violation by the extra judicial killings. We seems government don’t want to obey the rule of law, constitution, Universal Declaration of human rights. Otherwise they would try to stop state killings in the name of so-called gunfight, encounter or crossfire.
Two more peoples were killed in extra judicial killings by police and RAB. The killed Johnny, 28, was killed on 26th September at Mirpur in Dhaka by police. Another killed Mohon was killed by police and RAB on same day at Doulotpur in Kushtia. Both of killed are accused criminals. With these two, 92 were killed by state forces in last January, 7 to September 26, 2009.

Previous report about extra judicial killings: ‘90 were killed extra judicially’
By Jahangir Alam Akash, Why the present government become a killers? Day by day increasing the killings of extra judicial killings in Bangladesh. Another three were killed in extra judicial killings on 25th September, 2009. With these at least 90 peoples were killed by the state forces RAB-police in the name of so-called crossfire or encounter or gunfight in the present Mohajote (grand alliance) government led by Bangladesh Awami League from January, 7 to September 25, 2009.

Two more accused criminals were killed in the name of encounter by RAB in Kushtia on 25th September, 2009. The killed are Aroz Ali, 36, and Edu Mondol, 40. Only in Kushtia at least 20 persons were killed in extra judicial killings by RAB and police in last one month.
On the other hand a C&F businessmen Abul Kalam Rana (40) was killed by RAB after brutally tortured in their custody in the same day in the capital of Dhaka.
Another attempted to the extra judicial killings were happened by RAB in Mohammadpur of capital Dhaka on 24th September night. After shooting three persons were seriously injured. They were identified as Shakil, Faruk & Rana. They were admitted to the Pangu (disabled) Hospital.

Previous report: ‘No right to life and human rights’! By Jahangir Alam Akash, In Bangladesh have no right to life. Actually in practice there are no human rights. Almost every day peoples has been killed in extra judicial killings by so-called elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or by police.
There is a common consensus that very poor governance, corruption and nepotism have severely undermined the rule of law including safeguards in the constitution to protect fundamental rights. This type of killings is a criminal’s offence. But, the government hasn’t taken departmental and criminal action against those who perpetrate such killings in custody and outside.
Another citizen of Bangladesh was killed by government force. An accused extremist Rashedul Islam was killed in the name of so-called gun battle with the police early on 23rd September, 2009 in Kushtia. Rashed, is the son of late Rustam Ali of Mill Line Bhataparha of Kushtia Sadar. Source: Bdnews24.com
With this killed person stood of the killed lists are 44 in last 54 days from 1st August to 23rd September, 2009 in Bangladesh.

Previous report: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1168
At least 43 peoples were killed in last 50 days from 1st August to 19th September, 2009 in Bangladesh. Last killing was happened in Pabna on 19th September, 2009.
An accused regional leader of outlawed Janajuddho was killed by police in the name of ‘crossfire’ at Nandanpur under Pabna Sadar Upazila. The dead, Sukkur Ali alias Boma Sukkur, 30, was son of Abdul Hakim Pramanik of Nandanpur village. Source: the daily Star, 20.9.2009
It is our great question that has in Bangladesh any rule of law, human rights, democracy and good governance? In Bangladesh have no right to life. Every day peoples has been killed in extra judicial killings by so-called elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) or by police.
Previous report: ‘Killing by government: violation of constitution and UN universal declaration’.

http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1123
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1165
We seem that, all the institutional system like judiciary, rule, law, regulations, and constitution, national assembly has been disabled. Not only that, the media role regarding so-called crossfire, gunfight or encounter is very bad. They only are publishing a normal report about the so-called shootout every day by the direction of RAB or police. Previous report: ‘If government wants to do continue extra judicial killings!’ http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1126
But, they didn’t try to cover as an investigator or as a responsible media. Because we know very well that, media should always publish real figure facts for the peoples and its’ they’re professional duties. Every peoples have right to know. But, the media of Bangladesh didn’t show their actual duties about the murders of state.
Links of the previous reports:

http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1132
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1135
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1141
http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1150
Though, some human-rights organizations have long been asking the government to stop the killings terming them extra judicial. On the other hand, the High Court on 29th June, 2009 asked to the government to explain why killing without trial in extra judicial killings will not be declared illegal, and why departmental and criminal actions should not be taken against those who perpetrate such killings in custody and outside. After this ruling what happened,
we don’t know.
But, extra judicial killings are going on by violating the highest Court ruling. How it continuing? It’s very alarming for human rights, democracy as well as right to life. RAB was killed an alleged criminal Mohammad Ali, 25 at Mirpur outer Stadium on 18th September, 2009. Other unidentified one was killed in Chawgachha of Jessore by the police on same day. Mohammad Ali was killed at around 2:45am. Unidentified accused mugger was killed at Jessore-Chawgachha road at about 2:00am. Source: the daily Star, 19th September, 2009.
Government source told, 577 people were killed in extra judicial killings in 472 incidents until August 31, 2009 since the formation of the elite force RAB on March 26, 2004 in the regime of BNP-Jammat. With these killing, the total of such extra-judicial killings to 42 in over six weeks from August 1 to September 18 in 2009 with them 19 such killings in August and 23 were in last 18 days.
The government of Bangladesh has been violating the constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights day after day since 2004. With the direction of the article 35(5) of the constitution of Bangladesh and the article 5 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, ‘No one shall be subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment’.
And according to the article 3 of the constitution of Bangladesh ‘everyone has the right to life, liberty and security of person.’ But in practice in Bangladesh has no right to life and not executed the Universal Declaration of human rights and the Constitution of Bangladesh.
Please visit and see the bellows links about peace and democracy in Bangladesh (which were published in the oldest Bengali national daily Sangbad,
Bangladesh)
http://174.120.99.127/~thedaily/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=11921&pub_no=127 (20-09-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&option=single&news_id=9004&pub_no=97 (21-08-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=8651&pub_no=93 (17-8-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7869&pub_no=84 (9-8-2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&option=single&news_id=7054&pub_no=76 (31.7.2009) http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=23&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=5535&pub_no=61 (16.07.2009)
http://www.thedailysangbad.com/details.php?news=20&action=main&menu_type=&option=single&news_id=3545&pub_no=41 (26.06.2009)
If Bangladesh wants to introduce own self as a civilized country to the world then must be follow strictly to the Universal Declaration of human rights and the Constitution of Bangladesh.
Bangladesh government has taken dualism regarding extra judicial killings. They say to the international community that in Bangladesh has no extra judicial killings. On the other side, every day in Bangladesh was happened extra judicial killings in the name of so-called crossfire, gunfight or encounter.
So we could say that the present government of Bangladesh is a liar. Because, before the last general election they told to the nation openly that, ‘if they would form power then they must stopped the extra judicial killings’. But, now it’s going on. We strongly condemned about the attitude of government regarding extra judicial killings.

If the government wants betterment of Bangladesh and if they believe rule of law, constitution and Universal Declaration of Human Rights then they could firstly established rule of law. We want to say to the government please stop the extra judicial killings and should immediately start to trial against the war criminals. We believe that otherwise wouldn’t stop the Islamic militancy. 20.9.2009
Link of the previous report about the human rights situation in Bangladesh: http://www.humanrightstoday.info/?p=1171
In conclusion we want to say that, the so-called crossfire, encounter or gunfight stories which made by RAB-police are totally false than reality. Terrorism never combat or control by state killings, we believe. Establish to rule of law is very emergency for control to terrorism.
Writer:
Editor of the Human Rights Today
jahangiralamakash@gmail.com
www.humanrightstoday.info