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MSF’s rights monitoring report confirms spike in extrajudicial killings after sanctions lull

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The number of casualties due to extrajudicial killings or gunfights have increased during the month of April this year, while custodial deaths, torture and harassment have increased significantly in the same period.

Besides, incidents of being picked up in the name of law enforcement agencies and the number of deaths in jail custody have also risen, which is extremely concerning. Mass, or mob beatings also increased.

It was revealed by Manabadhikar Shongskriti Foundation (Human Rights Culture Foundation, known by the English acronym of their Bangla name, MSF) in its April Human Rights Situation Monitoring Report on Saturday.

The MSF prepared the report on the basis of the news published in various national dailies. Moreover, in almost every case, it has been verified by the local human rights defenders. It should be noted here that this report has been prepared on the basis of the events that took place from 1 April to 30 April this year.

A comparative analysis of the organisation’s data showed that the incidence of violence against women and children, including rape, has increased. Incidents like casualties at the border have not stopped. Besides, the incidents of torture of minorities on various pretexts have been going on.

The MSF is deeply concerned and concerned about the growing number of human rights violations.

According to the MSF, there were seven incidents of ‘gunfights’ in April. Although no casualties were reported in two incidents, one person was killed in an alleged gunfight with river police, while two others were killed in a so called gunbattle with RAB. Six people, including RAB member, were shot and injured, while 13 others were detained in the other incidents.

Besides, three people died in the custody of the law enforcement agencies. One person jumped into the river and died in a police chase. There are also allegations that some members of the police were involved in misconduct, torture and looting, vandalism and a number of other crimes which are undesirable and unacceptable, the report said.

The MSF considers the issue of deaths in police custody as unexpected, on the other hand the allegations against the police are unexpected and in no way acceptable. It is the legal responsibility of the police to ensure the safety of any person. The MSF is urging the police to take legal action against those involved by ensuring an impartial and fair investigation.

Five people, including a woman, died in jail custody in April, which is less compared to previous month. Ten prisoners died in custody in March. Prisoners are being deprived of proper treatment due to inadequate treatment in prisons. When the prisoner fell ill, he or she takes to the Medical College Hospital outside the Jail. The MSF believes that in addition to improving the medical system inside prisons, it is urgent to properly investigate deaths in custody.

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One border killing occurred, three Bangladeshi nationals were taken away by the BSF and as always incidents of detainment during illegal entry happened in frontier in April.

Violence against women and children, including rape, murder, and domestic violence continue unabated in April like previous months, which are alarming.

According to the data collected by the MSF, there have been 367 incidents of violence against women and children this month, of which 71 were rapes, 14 were gang rapes and two were killed after rape. Among them, 9 disabled children and adolescents have been raped.

One on duty journalist was shot dead by terrorist, 12 journalists were interrupted in their duties, injured, two journalists received death threats, six journalists were harassed, one journalist was attacked when he was in professional duties. Terrorists have threatened to kill the journalist including attacking time and vandalizing the house of a journalist in Sitakunda and abusing family members.

Source: United News of Bangladesh