Dhaka: Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Md Asaduzzaman today emphasized that the eradication of the culture of torture in the country cannot be achieved solely through legal measures, highlighting the necessity for comprehensive social and institutional transformations.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the minister articulated his views during the National Consultation on the Prevention of Torture and the Implementation of UNCAT and OPCAT at Hotel Pan Pacific Sonargaon in Dhaka, where he served as the chief guest. He asserted that the issue is deeply rooted as a social and psychological problem, which requires a shift in societal attitudes. “We must move away from this social and psychological disease. Only then can our good laws and institutions function properly. Mere enactment of laws is not enough to eliminate the culture of torture. We must ensure implementation and, equally important, create social awareness so that people understand torture is inhuman, unjust, and unacceptable,” Asaduzzaman stated.
The minister underscored the significance of constitutional protections, referencing Article 35(5), which prohibits torture and cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment, aligning with international conventions. He noted that while legislative frameworks exist, the effective implementation and enforcement of these laws are crucial to fostering change.
Acknowledging the gradual nature of societal transformation, Asaduzzaman highlighted recent progress, mentioning that no reports of enforced disappearances have emerged over the last twenty months under the interim government. “Custodial torture has also been drastically reduced since the post-August transition. These are significant developments in our legal culture, our jurisprudence, and our national conscience,” he remarked.
The minister also stressed the importance of preventing the misuse of protective laws, declaring, “We do not want a culture of impunity. We do not want human rights violations in any form. We do not want custodial deaths. We do not want enforced disappearances. We do not want extrajudicial killings. We know the pain such violations cause.”
Organized by Odhikar and OMCT, the event also featured notable speakers, including Michael Miller, Head of Delegation of the European Union in Bangladesh; Amar Desh Editor Mahmudur Rahman; and former Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission Justice Moyeenul Islam. The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, Dr. Alice Jill Edwards, delivered the keynote paper, providing further insights into the issue.