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UPDATE(Bangladesh): An investigation began into the alleged threats against a human rights defender by the RAB official

July 23, 2007

UPDATE ON URGENT APPEAL UPDATE ON URGENT APPEAL UPDATE ON URGENT APPEAL

ASIAN HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION- URGENT APPEALS PROGRAMME

Update on Urgent Appeal

24 July 2007

[RE: UA-149-2007: BANGLADESH: Alleged serious intimidation by the Rapid Action Battalion in Rajshahi against a human rights defender]
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UP-101-2007: BANGLADESH: An investigation began into the alleged threats against a human rights defender by the RAB official

BANGLADESH: Intimidation against human rights defenders; impunity
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Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received updated information that the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police have recently begun its investigation into the alleged serious threats and intimidation of a journalist by an RAB official. We were informed that the initiative of the investigating body was started after they received the appeal letter about the case from the AHRC. The victim gave his written statement about the incident to the investigating officers from various local authorities. While the AHRC welcomed the positive development in this case, we urge the Bangladesh government to take strong and speedy action against the alleged perpetrator. We are also informed that the victim is still in fear of his security to date after the incident. 

UPDATED INFORMATION:

The AHRC has previously issued an urgent appeal on 5 May 2007 regarding an alleged serious intimidation against Mr. Jahangir Alam Akash, the Bureau Chief of CSB News, who received serious threatening phone calls from an official of the RAB-5 on 3 May 2007, after his television channel broadcasted an alleged attempt of the extra judicial killing of a man by RAB personnel. For further details of this incident, please see: UA-149-2007.   

We were learned that after our appeal was issued on this case, a police officer of the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has begun the investigation into this case. We were informed that Mr. Muhammad Saiful Islam, the Assistant Police Commissioner of the Boalia Model Police Station under the RMP issued a letter dated on 02/07/07 to the victim Mr. Akash. The letter quoted to official sources: a) Police Headquarters' memo number-crime/2/22-2007/RMP/365 Date-28/5/07 and b) Police Commissioner's Office memo number-RMP, DC (Headquarter)/146/go Date-17/6/2007. The letter contained the following information, "This office has received an allegation from the Asian Human Rights Commission against Major Rashidul Hassan Rashid of RAB-5 of Rajshahi along with the memo numbers of the sources. It is requested that you give your written and oral statement regarding the matter on 03/7/2007 at 10am, being present in person in the office mentioned here."

On 3 July 2007, as instructed in the letter, Mr. Akash went to the office of the Assistant Police Commissioner (APC) of the RMP, Mr. Muhammad Saiful Islam, and gave his written statement to the APC.

The AHRC produce below the unofficial English version of his written statement translated from Bangla: 

"On 2 May 2007 at around 5:30 pm, a message came to me that an incident of 'crossfire' took place in the house of Mr. Mohammad Benzir in the Hoseniganj Betpatti area, Rajshahi city. Then and there, I and my colleague Mr. Tofayel Ahammad along with cameraperson Mohammad Masud rushed to the scene and recorded the video footage of the incident. We received information from Benzir's family members that the RAB personnel shot at the legs of Mr. Benzir in front of his wife and daughter in his bed room.

None of the RAB personnel, who were involved in the alleged operation, did agree to give their statements in front of television camera regarding the incident. In the evening, I send the report to my [Dhaka] office from my office [in Rajshahi]. In a news bulletin broadcasted at 1:00 am early in the following morning [3 May 2007], the report was screened on air.

On this, at 9:33 pm on 3 May 2007 I received a call in my mobile phone number: [+88]01720084944 from RAB officer Major Rashidul Haidar Rashid from another mobile number: [+88]01714049431. I said 'salam' when I received the phone. As soon as I received the phone, the caller asked me that why the broadcasting of the news regarding the RAB's operation was stopped just after airing only two bulletins. In reply, I told the person that 'it is a matter of the head office'.

He [Major Rashid] became annoyed with me and said,'‘you broadcasted this report intentionally.' I replied, '‘It is my professional duty, not more intention at all.' He [Major Rashid] asked,"Why did you broadcast the crying face and statements of Benzir's wife and daughter?" In response, I asked him, “Do you want to know it officially?”

At this stage, Major Rashid became very rude and I cannot mention the words he shouted at me in my language [the language was very bad]; he was outraged and said,"If you fail to give the right answer that why did you broadcast the report, then I shall take actions against you" I said, "I have not committed any crime." Major Rashid asked again, "Why did the other TV channels not broadcast the same report? You did it intentionally and your this particular action belongs to 'anti-state activity'."

He [Major Rashid] again said, "Mind it, you, any of your colleagues and the camera of the CSB News are not seen at all within the jurisdiction and activities of RAB. If it is seen any further that you or your CSB's camera is close to the activities of the RAB, then RAB go for action against you. After this, he [Major Rashid] disconnected the (mobile phone) line."

After giving the detailed address, Mr. Akash signed on his written statement, which was received with signature and official chop by the Reader to APC [Assistant Police Commissioner], Model Police Station, Boalia, RMP, Rajshahi on 3 July 2007. A photocopy of his own statement was given to Mr. Akash.

The AHRC was also informed that Mr. Golam Mostofa, the Field Officer of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) interrogated Mr. Akash regarding the said intimidation and threats on 15 July 2007.

Besides, at around 6pm on 22 July 2007, Mr. Moyeen, an Inspector of the Special Branch of the Rajshahi city of the RMP visited Mr. Akash and took his statement, which was written by Akash. Inspector Moyeen also asked about the security problem of Mr. Akash, who replied that the RAB is involved in extra judicial killings in the country and he feared that he could be a victim of such killing. Mr. Akash reported that he has been continuing his works but worry that the RAB or his men may target him for further harassment or intimidation.

While the AHRC is pleased about the positive development initiated by the local authorities relating to this case, it again urges the Bangladesh government to take strong and speedy action against the alleged perpetrator as soon as possible. This will be the only solution to ensure the security of the victim. This will also give a strong signal to the RAB officials and other law enforcement officers so that the human rights abuses committed by them can be gradually reduced.     


SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write to the relevant local authorities listed below and express your concern about this case. Please urge them to ensure a proper and speedy investigation into the case and the punishment of the alleged perpetrator by law.

Sample letter:

Dear _________,

BANGLADESH: An investigation began into the alleged threats against a human rights defender by the RAB official

Name of the victim facing threat: Mr. Jahangir Alam Akash, journalist of the CSB News television and a human rights defender, living in the city of Rajshahi
Alleged perpetrators: Major Mr. Rashidul Hassan Rashid, attached to the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-5 deployed for the Rajshahi region
Date of incident: 3 May 2007
Place of incident: Rajshahi city in Bangladesh

I am pleased to learn that the Rajshahi Metropolitan Police (RMP) has begun the investigation into the alleged serious intimidation against Mr. Jahangir Alam Akash by Major Mr. Rashidul Hassan Rashid of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-5 in Rajshahi region on 3 May 2007.

According to the information I have received, the victim received a letter issued by Mr. Muhammad Saiful Islam, the Assistant Police Commissioner of the Boalia Model Police Station under the RMP issued a letter dated on 02/07/07, which requesting him to come to his office on 3 July 2007 for the purpose of recording his written and oral statement regarding the matter. On 3 July 2007, Mr. Akash went to the office of the APC's office and gave his written statement accordingly. His written statement was received with signature and official chop by the Reader to APC [Assistant Police Commissioner], Model Police Station, Boalia, RMP, Rajshahi.

I am also informed that Mr. Golam Mostofa, the Field Officer of the National Security Intelligence (NSI) interrogated Mr. Akash regarding the said intimidation and threats on 15 July 2007. Besides, at around 6:00pm on 22 July 2007, Mr. Moyeen, an Inspector of the Special Branch of the Rajshahi city of the RMP visited Mr. Akash and took his statement.

While I am happy about the positive development initiated by the local authorities relating to this case, I again request you to ensure a proper and speedy investigation into this matter and take strong action against the alleged perpetrator. I am informed that Mr. Akash, who has been continuing his works after the alleged intimidation, still worries his security and thinks that he can be a victim of an extra judicial killing which is rampant in the country.

I appeal you that the strict punishment of the concerned RAB official will be the only solution to ensure the security of the victim and this will also give a strong signal to the RAB officials and other law enforcement officers so that the human rights abuses committed by them can be gradually reduced.     

Yours truly,


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PLEASE SEND YOUR LETTER TO:

1. Dr. Fakhruddin Ahmed
Chief Adviser
Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh
Office of the Chief Advisor Tejgaon
Dhaka
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 8828160-79, 9888677
Fax: +880 2 8113244 or 3243 or 1015 or 1490

2. Barrister Moinul Hossain
Adviser
Ministry of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs
Bangladesh Secretariat
Dhaka-1000
BANGLADESH
Tel: +88-02-7160627 (O)
Fax: +88-02-7168557 (O)

3. General Moeen U Ahmed
Chief of Army Staff
Bangladesh Army
Army Headquarters
Dhaka Cantonment
Dhaka
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 9870011
Fax: +880 2 8754455

4. Barrister Fida M Kamal
Attorney General of Bangladesh
Office of the Attorney General
Supreme Court Building
Ramna, Dhaka-1000
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 9562868
Fax: +880 2 9561568

5. Mr. Nur Mohammad
Inspector General of Police (IGP)
Bangladesh Police
Police Headquarters'
Fulbaria, Dhaka-1000
BANGLADESH
Tel: +880 2 9562054 or 7176451 or 7176677
Fax: +880 2 9563362 or 9563363

6. Mr. Hassan Mahmud Khandokar
Director General (DG)
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)
RAB Headquarter
Uttara, Dhaka
BANGLADESH
Tel: +88-02- 8961105 (O)
Fax: +880 2 8962884 (O)

7. Ms. Hina Jilani
Special Representative of the Secretary General for human rights defenders
Att: Melinda Ching Simon
Room 1-040, c/o OHCHR-UNOG
1211 Geneva 10
SWITZERLAND
Tel: +41 22 917 93 88
Fax: +41 22 917 9006 (ATTN: SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE HUMAN RIGHTS
DEFENDERS)

Thank you.

Urgent Appeal Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission (ua@ahrchk.org)

Document Type :
Urgent Appeal Update
Document ID :
UP-101-2007
Countries :
Issues :
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Extended Introduction: Urgent Appeals, theory and practice

A need for dialogue

Many people across Asia are frustrated by the widespread lack of respect for human rights in their countries.  Some may be unhappy about the limitations on the freedom of expression or restrictions on privacy, while some are affected by police brutality and military killings.  Many others are frustrated with the absence of rights on labour issues, the environment, gender and the like. 

Yet the expression of this frustration tends to stay firmly in the private sphere.  People complain among friends and family and within their social circles, but often on a low profile basis. This kind of public discourse is not usually an effective measure of the situation in a country because it is so hard to monitor. 

Though the media may cover the issues in a broad manner they rarely broadcast the private fears and anxieties of the average person.  And along with censorship – a common blight in Asia – there is also often a conscious attempt in the media to reflect a positive or at least sober mood at home, where expressions of domestic malcontent are discouraged as unfashionably unpatriotic. Talking about issues like torture is rarely encouraged in the public realm.

There may also be unwritten, possibly unconscious social taboos that stop the public reflection of private grievances.  Where authoritarian control is tight, sophisticated strategies are put into play by equally sophisticated media practices to keep complaints out of the public space, sometimes very subtly.  In other places an inner consensus is influenced by the privileged section of a society, which can control social expression of those less fortunate.  Moral and ethical qualms can also be an obstacle.

In this way, causes for complaint go unaddressed, un-discussed and unresolved and oppression in its many forms, self perpetuates.  For any action to arise out of private frustration, people need ways to get these issues into the public sphere.

Changing society

In the past bridging this gap was a formidable task; it relied on channels of public expression that required money and were therefore controlled by investors.  Printing presses were expensive, which blocked the gate to expression to anyone without money.  Except in times of revolution the media in Asia has tended to serve the well-off and sideline or misrepresent the poor.

Still, thanks to the IT revolution it is now possible to communicate with large audiences at little cost.  In this situation there is a real avenue for taking issues from private to public, regardless of the class or caste of the individual.

Practical action

The AHRC Urgent Appeals system was created to give a voice to those affected by human rights violations, and by doing so, to create a network of support and open avenues for action.  If X’s freedom of expression is denied, if Y is tortured by someone in power or if Z finds his or her labour rights abused, the incident can be swiftly and effectively broadcast and dealt with. The resulting solidarity can lead to action, resolution and change. And as more people understand their rights and follow suit, as the human rights consciousness grows, change happens faster. The Internet has become one of the human rights community’s most powerful tools.   

At the core of the Urgent Appeals Program is the recording of human rights violations at a grass roots level with objectivity, sympathy and competence. Our information is firstly gathered on the ground, close to the victim of the violation, and is then broadcast by a team of advocates, who can apply decades of experience in the field and a working knowledge of the international human rights arena. The flow of information – due to domestic restrictions – often goes from the source and out to the international community via our program, which then builds a pressure for action that steadily makes its way back to the source through his or her own government.   However these cases in bulk create a narrative – and this is most important aspect of our program. As noted by Sri Lankan human rights lawyer and director of the Asian Human Rights Commission, Basil Fernando:

"The urgent appeal introduces narrative as the driving force for social change. This idea was well expressed in the film Amistad, regarding the issue of slavery. The old man in the film, former president and lawyer, states that to resolve this historical problem it is very essential to know the narrative of the people. It was on this basis that a court case is conducted later. The AHRC establishes the narrative of human rights violations through the urgent appeals. If the narrative is right, the organisation will be doing all right."

Patterns start to emerge as violations are documented across the continent, allowing us to take a more authoritative, systemic response, and to pinpoint the systems within each country that are breaking down. This way we are able to discover and explain why and how violations take place, and how they can most effectively be addressed. On this path, larger audiences have opened up to us and become involved: international NGOs and think tanks, national human rights commissions and United Nations bodies.  The program and its coordinators have become a well-used tool for the international media and for human rights education programs. All this helps pave the way for radical reforms to improve, protect and to promote human rights in the region.