BANGLADESH: Alleged brutal torture of a man by corrupt police for not paying bribe

Dear friends,

The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has received information from an reliable source regarding the alleged assault of a motorbike driver who refused to be extorted by local police in Payikghachha, Khulna on 8 March 2007.  Mr. Rongon Bishwas Halder refused to pay the 100 Taka (USD 1.45) levy illegally imposed on each rental motorbike driver by Sub Inspector (SI) Fazlur Rahman of the Raruli police camp.  As a consequence, the victim was severally beaten with multiple weapons and had to undergo treatment at the local hospital.  Although the police investigation has begun in this case, to date no serious action has been taken against the concerned police officers.   

CASE DETAILS:

Between 11:00 am and 1:00 pm on 8 March 2007, Mr. Rongon Bishwas Halder Rongon was allegedly subjected to severe torture by the In-charge officer of the Raruli police camp as well as two other policemen. The officers approached the victim and demanded he pay the 100 Taka levy that had been illegally placed on all rental motorbike drivers. When the victim refused to pay, the police became angry and began kicking him. The officers then started hitting him with batons and a rifle bat, while slapping his face and using their boots to kick his entire body.  After the assault, the victim was taken to the Raruli police camp and again was allegedly tortured.

At around 1:00pm, the victim’s physical condition became serious but the policemen left him without providing any medical attention. He was later taken to the Khulna Sadar Hospital by his relatives. There he received medical treatment and was discharged on the following day on March 9.

It is clear that the victim was attacked for refusing to pay a bribe. In a statement released by the victim he stated, “I am a poor man. I spent my life by driving rental motorbike. I was at Boyalia Kheyaghat in the time of incident. Suddenly, SI Fazlur Rahman along with two police forces was present there. They seeking me and beaten me with baton, rifle bat, kicking with boot and slapping. Then they tied me with rope and took me to the camp and tortured me severely. In the meantime my relatives send massage to the Payikgachha police station and the Officer-in-Charge (OC) directed the SI to release me.” The victim also mentioned that before he was released, the SI warned him to pay the 100 Taka fee in order to continue riding his motorbike.  However, the victim swears he will not pay and has urged others to stand up against corruption.

This incident took place in front of many witnesses who claim that motorbike rental drivers who do not pay the bribe will face similar consequences. Although the SI denies any wrongdoing and claims that the victim is out to defame his name, an investigation has begun into the alleged perpetrators actions after Police Super of Khulna District Belalur Rahman was notified about the incident. However, no action has yet been taken against the concerned SI and two other policemen.

The AHRC condemns the illegal actions of SI Fazlur Rahman and urges the authorities to manage a fair investigation. The AHRC also demands that an investigation is launched into the alleged illegal levy being imposed on motorbike drivers. The AHRC further urges that the victim and family be fully compensated for any medical expenses endured, as well as for any emotional trauma that they have no doubt suffered.

SUGGESTED ACTION:
Please write the relevant Bangladeshi authorities and demand justice for this victim.  Please ask them to fully compensate the victim and his family and demand an end to police corruption.

To support this case, please click here: SEND APPEAL LETTER