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

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.

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