160th Hotline Newsletter Apr.-May, 2009
Hotline Newsletter
(Bi-monthly Newsletter)
Issue 160th April-May 2009
Editorial
Bodies of Migrant Workers : Duty of the State
Over the past few months hundreds of dead bodies of thee Bangladeshi workers have return to the country. During the more than a decade thousands of Bangladeshi youths either faced problems in going abroad for seeking better jobs of have been forced to leave by the host countries or have faced tremendous problem wherever they were taken by the travel agencies. Hundreds of the people, who could leave the country with lured jobs by the scrupulous or fake agencies by selling their properties or whatever they have just to find a better life for themselves and their families, got stuck in foreign lands without legal travel document which had been seized by the brokers. Many had to leave for unknown lands from whether they were dropped by the agents.
Such fateful incidents are often taking place and the news are getting to the national press media. In recent times hundreds of dead bodies have arrived in the country. Hundreds of the workers were forced back by the host countries empty-handed, even with one dress only leaving behind their belongings. Most of them sold all their properties, mother’s or wife’s ornaments to pay the agencies and the brokers especially at home and also in abroad. In light of what has been happening to the Bangladeshi workers abroad and at home, the government should realise the reality and take some actions. Not only wait for the remittances from the money they send from abroad, something should be done for the safety of the lives and jobs of these workers abroad.
The Foreign minister in recent time said informed an audience at a conference that there are at least 68 lakh Bangladeshi workers (in another press report it mentioned 70 lakh) abroad. Answering to a question about what the government is thinking about these huge number of Bangladshi workers abroad, Dr. Dipu Moni said, ‘the present government is trying to resolve this longstanding problem by establishing good diplomatic relationship with countries where there is not yet any Bangladeshi representative there.”
The Daily Star on May 13 reported on its first page that a total of 904 bodies of migrant workers returned home from different countries between January 1 and May 9. Among them 391 died of cardiac arrests, 268 in workplace accidents, 62 in road accidents, 115 of other sicknesses and the remaining died due to various other reasons according to official sources at Zia Int’l Airport. Of those dead arrived in Dhaka 119 were from Saudi Arabia, 82 from Malaysia, 72 from the United Arab Emirates, 35 from Kuwait, 16 from Oman, 10 from Qatar, 10 from Bahrain, 7 from Singapore, and 2 were from Lebanon, the major destinations abroad for Bangladeshi migrant workers. Serious questions were raised about the living standards of migrant workers in those countries. The number of such deaths of migrant workers increased exponentially since 2004.
Last year the number of dead bodies arrived home was 2,237, which had been 1,673 in 2007, 1,402 in 2006, 1,248 in 2005, and 788 in 2004.
“It is usual that our workers have acute mental tension, as they work far from their relatives, and quite often their incomes are not up to their expectations,” said Prof. KMHS Sirajul Haque chairman of the cardiology department at Bangabandhu Shiekh Mujib Medical University in Dhaka.
Till now none other than Expatriates Welfare Minsiter, after rturning from Kuala Lumpur, has spoken of the nefarious roles played by brokers in the manpower business, it is proper to ask what happens from here on. There he gauged the conditions of the Bangladeshi migrant workers. The Bangladesh Mission has been looking after a large number of these workers waiting to return home. A greater number is out there spending days in unmitigated miseries. The minister has tried to minimize the problem mutually that both Bangladesh and Malaysia agreed to combat the problem created by unscrupulous recruiting agencies and brokers at each other’s end.
This government had in their election manifesto that they will reduce the unemployment creating jobs and recruiting at least one person from each family. Their slogan was to bring a change in the country and we all know that during the BNP-Jamaat government period they had closed down many factories creating numerous people unemployed. Along with Narayangonj Jute Mill, one of the biggest Jute Mills in Asia at least 16 other Jute Mills were shut down. Poor people were desperately seeking means for survival and so they left the country with no proper assistance neither from the government nor from the Bangladesh Missions in respective countries.
Works minister Minister Musharraf Hossain and the foreign minister Dr. Dipu Moni have taken several steps for the Bangladeshi migrant workers in respective countries but the Bangladesh Missions have to look into the welfare of these numerous workers in alien lands. At the same time the government should carefully scrutinize the recruiting agencies and the brokers so that the long ill-practice of illegal middlemen be stopped. There should also be reliable corruption-free department where the Bangladeshi migrant worker can get help when facing problem. The government should not only be satisfied with the remittances but in order to change the days they should look into the well beings of the poor workers especially those who work in foreign lands. ##
Green Crescent ran illegally
The UK-based controversial NGO Green Crescent was illegally operating a madrasa-cum-orphanage in Bhola where the RAB busted a mini ammo factory on Mar. 24. Following the chilling arms and ammo haul from a well-furnished building of the madrasa in remote Ramkeshob village, RAB reveals Green Crescent has no permission to operate such institutions.
Green Crescent was registered with Social Welfare Department in Daulatkhan upazila in Bhola in 1999, mentioned nothing about the program in its charter about opening madrasa and orphanage, said investigation officer. Green Crescent also stretched its branches its activities in Borhan-uddin upazila without permission of the Social Welfare Dept. opening the account with the daulatkhan branch of Sonali Bank. The RAB on Mar. 24 arrested Md. Russel Hawlader and Faisal Badal, and seized a hug cache of firearms and ammo, explosive substances, four pairs of German uniforms, and booklets on jihad, Maulana Maoududi and Al-Qaeda founded Osama bin Laden.
For these offences the govt. may cancel Green Crescent’s registration in Bangladesh. DS. 1.4.09
Faisal blames local aids
Founder of the said Madrasa-cum-Orphanage in Bhola Faisal pinned the blame of recovered arms, ammos and explosives on the madrasa’s caretaker and his local associate Md. Saifuddin Badal and cook Mohiuddin.
Faisal said to the investigators that he seldom visits the madrasa because he stays in UK most of year. He denied all links with the Islamic militancy but admitted that he owns the arrow, bows and the 2 jackets that he used while hunting, which were recovered by RAB on Mar. 24. DS 8.4.09
Faisal finally shown arrest and charged
The RAB finally declared British citizen Faisal Mustafa, 42, a chemistry graduate, the main patron of Green Crescent in Bhola arrested on Apr. 6 along with his close associate Md. Saifuddin Badal after 10 days of his mystery whereabouts. The Add. Dir. General of RAB said no charges were brought against Faisal and Badal.
These two names popped up in a simultaneous police investigation in Bhola but were not included in the cases filed by the police against the madrasa.
However the media on Apr. 26 reported that Faisal was arrested on previous day in Dhaka.
Twice cleared as a terror suspect in 1996 and 2002 in British Court but given 18 months imprisonment for possessing illegal firearms in the UK, Faisal’s arrest has drawn focus of the British media. The media also questioned the weak monitoring system of the British Charity Commission that channelises taxpayers’ money to various NGOs, some of which landed in funding terrorist activities through Green Crescent.
The RAB said that Faisal and Badal would be taken for questioning. Prior to it, Faisal and Badal were brought before the journalists in handcuff for picture taking but could not clarify how the huge amount of arms and ammos landed in Green Crescent.
According to Faisal’s family, he used to travel to Bangladesh once a year. RAB sources said the ammos den surely indicates the madrasa links with militants but do not know with which group. DS 7-4-09
Faisal and 10 others were charged in Borhanuddin in a case filed for the arms haul from his said madrasa and orphanage. The Investigation Officer (IO) said that in spite of knowing about the weapons and ammos he did not inform his authorities.
Finally Faisal admitted to the investigators on Apr. 15 during his 10-day remand of owning firearms and ammos seized from Green Crescent madrasa. Investigators found Faisal’s close links with JMB. He met executed JMB Shaekh Abdur Rahman several times and kept close contact with Rahman, the present boss.
Russel gives confessional statement
Arrestee Maulana Md Russel of Green Crescent Orphanage and madrasa on May 5 in a confessional statement to a Bhola magistrate under sect. 14 of Cr.PC, said, one Hasan Saifuddin Badal and Humayun Ahmed used to hold meetings at Green Crescent. He also said expatriate Faisal was the owner of the madrasa-cum-orphanage and Russel knew nothing about the militant activities there. Russel was arrested by Rab on Mar. 24 from thee orphanage. DS 6-4-09
Madrasa under watch
Activities over a thousand quami, btadayee, nurani and alia madrasas in all nine upazilas in Khulna district are under surveillance of police and intelligence agencies. After police and RAB recovered huge arms and ammos from Green Crescent madrasa in Bhola, the Home Affairs issued an order in this regard. Khulna police authority told that a list is being prepared to ascertain the exact number of the aforesaid categories of madrasas in the district. Police and intelligence agencies said, they have increased their watch on madrasas especially on the Quami and other suspected places.
Sources said there are over 5,000 students in three categories of madrasas and police and intelligence agencies are working to ascertain sources of their income, heads of expenditure and searching the backgrounds of teachers and guardians of the students. Police detected militant activities in some madrasas of Khulna after the bomb blasts across the country in 2005. DS. 5-4-09
Habibur made acting ACC Chair
President Jillur Rahman has appointed Anti-Corruption Commission (ACC) Commissioner Habibur Rahman as acting chairman of the commission on Apr. 7, following resignation of Lt. Gen (retd) Hasan Mashhud Chowdhury on Apr. 3 after the AL led grand alliance assumed power, concluding the most challenging task he took - fighting corruption during the last caretaker government’s tenure.
Habibur Rahman expressed his determination to work independently otherwise he would resign, he said.
New groom found dead
A newly married housewife, Hasi Begum, 19, w/o. Dulu Mia, was found dead on a paddy field at Bhaluka village in Melandha upazila on Apr. 2. Police said, Hasi was married to Dulu barely a month ago and Dulu took Hasi from her parent’s house to his on the previous evening. Police suspect that Dulu might have strangled Hasi after torture. Dulu went on hiding. The victim’s brother filed a murder case against Dulu. DS. 3.4.09
Even a Divorce couldn’t save Jharna
Jharna was beaten up and tortured in many ways by her husband Mahbub, every time for dowry. Two months ago Jharna decided not to pay anymore to Mahbub and divorced him. Since then Mahbub pressed hard on her family to give him another chance and allow him to take Jharna to his home. But he failed in all his attempts. On the night of Mar. 14 Mahbub and his associates went to Jharna’s house and set her on fire while she was asleep.
Jharna got severe injuries on her neck, face, hands and legs, and is being treated at the Burn and Plastic Surgery unit of DMCH.
Jharna’s father, who works in the Middle East, paid a hefty dowry to get his daughter married. Mahbub was paid Tk 30,000 in cash and two tolas of gold. But six months later Mahbub began new demands for dowry. Jharna’s mother said, “We gave him what we could but there was no end of his demand. At the end he demanded to pay his way abroad to Kuwait for work,” she said. Jharna said “we agreed to do so but Mahbub was impatient and started torturing me. He even burnt my palms and hands with burning cigarettes. Finally I decided to divorce him.” Jharna’s family filed a case against Mahbub and two other men. They have been handed over to the police. DS. 4-4-09
Joj Miah tells CID of torture, pressure
The CID recorded the statement of Joj Miah on Apr. 7, who was forced to give false confessional statement by three former CID officers on the case of Aug. 21 grenade attack on Awami League rally.
Statements of Joj Miah’s mother and brother were also recorded at Kashimpur-1 Jail by CID ASP Rawnakul Haq Chowdhury, who filed a case against three former CID high-ranked officer. In his statement he narrated the kind of tortures he faced during remands. Meanwhile the CID asked Abul Hasem Rana and Shafiqul Islam, who were also forced to give confessional statements in the grenade attack case by the same former CID officers.
According to CID sources, retired ASP Abdur Rashid, the 1st. IO of the Aug. 21 grenade attack case, arrested 20 people and forced three of them to make false statements. ASP Munshi Atiqur was the second and ASP Fazlul Kabir of CID was the IO of the same case during caretaker govt. During these periods most of the evidences were destroyed in order to saved the real culprits. DS. 8-4-09
Ctg Arms Haul : Arms-laden truck hired for carrying salt
Investigators questioned a truck owner Abdul Motaleb and the manager of Greenways transport agency Taslim Mallick located near Dewan-hat footbridge in the port city on the 10-truck arms haul case in Chittagong on Apr. 6. Both Motaleb and Taslim said that one Abul Hussain hired the trucks from them in the name of carrying salt from Patiya.
The transport agency gave seven out of 10 trucks to carry deadly weapons and ammos at the jetty of Ctg Urea Fertilizer Ltd. (CUFL) on Apr. 2, 2002. Motaleb owned five of the seven trucks. The CID received govt.’s permission on Apr. 6 to quiz officials of NSI.
Former director (Security) of NSI Sahab Uddin, who joined the NSI from Air Force was arrested May 3 for his alleged involvement in arranging transport and equipment for carrying the illegal arms and ammos. The arrest was made after detained NSI Field Officer Akbar Hossain Khan in a confessional statement before a magistrate on May 2 said that he hired seven trucks and a crane from Greenways transport agency for the purpose on orders of Sahab Uddin. In his 164 statements Akbar said the trucks were hired to carry the consignment up to Moulvibazar border while the crane was required for offloading those at Chittagong Urea Fertilizer Co. Ltd (CUFL) jetty.
Akbar was first taken for 2-days and then for 6-days remand for interrogation. DS 4.5.09
Arrested ex-NSI dir. Sahab Uddin was taken for remand by CID on May 4 for three days in connection of the Ctg arms haul case. Akbar, in his confessional statement admitted his involvement in the event. He said that the trucks and cranes were hired on Sahab’s instruction. DS 5.5.09
Rahim tells of ARY meeting, a foreign embassy link
Detained ex-DG of NSI Bri. Gen. Abdur Rahim confessional statement on May 27 under 164 of the Cr. PC on completion of his 6-day remand on May 26 before the Matropolitan Magistrate denying his involvement in the Ctg arms haul event.
In his statement Rahim mentioned the names of a foreign embassy and Dubai-based business firm ARY admitting that he along with his wife visited Dubai and held a meeting with ARY. He also said that the ARY bore a major portion of his family tour expenses to Dubai. DS 28.5.09
3 robbers beaten to death
Villagers beat to death three robbers Mainuddin, 42, Mostafa, 45 and Momin, and injured another while they were fleeing after committing decoity in Noakhali on May 3. Ten villagers sustained injuries while the locals attacked them and they used sharp weapons and guns to protect themselves. All the injured were admitted to district general hospital. Eight to ten armed decoits looted Tk 59,000 in cash and gold ornaments from the house of Fulbanuin the village Ganchil of Companigonj upazila in the district. At on stage the villagers caught four decoits, beat them severely and when the police covered them and took them to the hospital, doctor declared them dead. DS 4.5.09
Nat’l cell to monitor acid throwing cases
The home ministry formed a national cell on May 3 headed by a joint secretary, to monitor the progress in disposing the acid throwing cases. The govt. formed another committee consisting of representatives from police, law ministry, and women and children affairs ministry to suggest necessary amendments to Acid Control Act.
HM Sahara said only 195 cases were disposed out of 1,611 cases filed to date from 2002. She said, during the period, 449 people were arrested on charges of acid throwing and 3,212 people were accused of such crime. Of them 12 were sentenced to death, 93 given lifetime imprisonment while 155 got other punishments. She mentioned Tk 2 crore would be allocated for legal assistance, treatment and rehabilitation of the acid victims.
Govt. cancels lease of Khaleda’s Cantt house
The govt. cancelled the allotment of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia’s house on Shaheed Mainul Road in Dhaka Cantonment, on May 7 ‘due to a number of anomalies regarding the allotment within the military zone’s. The grounds of it was that Khaleda has been carrying out political activities from the cantonment house, which is against the condition of the allotment. The cabinet also ‘found out’ that one cannot be allotted two govt. houses in the capital, and a civilian cannot get a resident lease within a cantonment. The cabinet also observed that unauthorized changes and extensions were made to the structure violating the code of conduct for a military area.
HM Ershad, the ex-military dictator allotted the house to Khaleda, now opposition leader, and her two sons after Zia was assassinated, who used to live in that house as a marshal law administrator.
However, high placed sources said Khaleda’s activities and remarks following the Feb. 25 mutiny and massacre in the BDR HQ are the main reasons behind the cancellation of the allotment.
It is to be noted here that the house is on 2.72 acres in the cantonment and she has another house in the city’s Gulshan area. BNP-Jamaat is trying to make an issue out of this decision. DS. 9.4.09
BDR men dies
A Bangladesh Rifle member (BDR), Yasin Ali, 50, died of ‘cardiac arrest’ on the night of May 7 at the National Kidney Institute Hospital. Dhaka Central Jail admitted him to the hospital on May 5.
A BDR jawan sepoy Ashraful Alam, 26, of battalion-13 has reportedly committed suicide on Apr. 13 at the Peelkhana headquarters by hanging himself from the ventilator of a bathroom with a gamchha (traditional towel).
On Apr. 16 BDR jawan Havilder Kazi Saidur Rahman, 46, of 13 Battalion, died in the custody. BDR DG Maj. Gen Mainul Islam said “Saidur Died of cardiac arrest as part of the will of the Creator (The Almighty). However the autopsy report will confirm the cause of the death.”
Saidur’s relatives alleged that he died from torture as several injury marks were found on his legs and knees.
A press release stated that Saidur felt chest pain at 1:00am and he was taken to BDR HQs at 3:00am, then to DHMC at 4:00am where the doctor declared him dead at 4:30am. The register of the deceased at DHMC mentioned that Latif, a ward boy of the BDR hospital brought Saidur dead at DHMC at around 4:30am.
A press release of BDR HQ stated a total of 352 BDR men died in between 2001 and 2008. Of them four committed suicide, 14 died of malaria, 38 in road accidents, criminals shot dad 11, 77 died of different diseases, 207 of heart attacks and one by lightening.
The commanding officers have been advised on Apr. 22, to arrange motivational programs to make jawans aware of the negative aspects of suicide from both religious and social perspectives.
A rights group Ain-O-Shalish Kendra expressed deep concern Apr. 23 over unnatural deaths of 16 BDR jawans after the mutiny at Peelkhana and demanded detailed explanation of each death access to see the real condition of BDR men there.
Nayek Renu Miah, 43, of 20 rifle battalion in Sylhet died on May 2 raising the death toll to 19 since Mar. 9. Nayek Renu was on a special duty at the BDR HQ. He fell sick and died in the hospital at 2:15 pm.
Havildar Mahiuddin, 48, a BDR jawan, was declared dead on arrival at Dhaka Medical College Hospital on May 5 at around 11:30pm. He was taken to the DMCH by a Rabiul, an employee of BDR Sadar Hospital at Peelkhan, said that the victim complained about chest pain. DMCH sources said, Mohiuddin’s body bore several red marks.
On May 26 BDR HQ issued a statement saying that havilder assistant Zakir Hossain Bhuiyan of the 19 Battalion in Feni “committed suicide” hanging from a ceiling fan at the Sainik Lines around 7:45pm.
On the same day another BDR Dinajpur Sector’s Imam Hafez Hafizur Rahman, 47, died of liver cirrhosis developed from hepatitis-B. He dies at the Modern Hospital in Dhanmondi in Dhaka at 1:30am. DS. 27.5.09
A total of 22 BDR men died since the February 25-26 mutiny at Peelkhana.
Odd BDR deaths to be probed
The Govt. formed a 3-member probe committee headed by Deputy Secretary (Police) of the home ministry Zakir Hossain, to investigate the suicides and unnatural deaths of BDR jawans in custody after the mutiny at the Peelkhana Feb. 25-26 and to submit the report within 15 days. The other two members of the committee are Asstt. Superintendent of Police Mahfuzur Rahman al Mamun and Maj. Arifuzzaman.
The committee has been asked to determine the causes of their suicide or unnatural deaths and make recommendations for preventing such unwanted deaths in future. DS. 21.5.09
National probe report on BDR Mutiny
Failing to get expected response from political leaders regarding their demands, a group of BDR men planned to hold their director general and other army officers hostage at the Darbar on Fe. 25, said the national probe report on the carnage at BDR HQs on May 27. It stated, “only a few haddock mutineers knew about the plan of killing army officers, including the DG, and other heinous activities while others only knew that a tough stance would be taken to realise their demands. They did not have clear knowledge about the real nature of the stance.” It was the first time that any such probe report has been formally disclosed the findings of the probe into the sensational incident before the nation that took place on Feb. 25-26 at Peelkhana.”
The probe committee headed by former bureaucrat Anisuzzaman Khan submitted the 309-page report to the home minister on May 21. A summary of 7-page report was distributed to thee journalist at the press briefing. Prathom Alo. 28.5.09
66 Bangladeshis rescued in Libya
Libyan coastguards rescued at least 66 Bangladeshis along with other nationals while being taken by a boat off Libyan coast. Of the total 350 rescued, 44 hail from Somalia, 18 from Eritria, 33 from Ghana, 55 from Egypt, 25 from Tunisia, 7 from Algeria, 15 from Morocco, 30 from Nigeria, 19 from Syria, five from India and two from Pakistan.
International Organisation for Migration (IOM) in Tripoli said, some women, including one pregnant woman and children are also among them. Of them 17 were rushed to hospital in Tripoli as they fall very sick.
In another incident, over 200 migrants feared dead as their boat capsized 30 miles off the seacoast near Buri Oil platform of Libya in the same night. Later the coastguard rescued 21 survivors and recovered 23 bodies.
The survivors told that there were over 250 migrants, including women and children on the capsized boat. Officials working on international migration say boats carrying migrants illegally towards Italy often capsize in the sea. DS. 3.4.09
Better facilities opened for Bangladeshis
Bangladeshi workers in Saudi Arabia now can change their job to get better facilities as the Saudi Council of Ministers passed a series of resolutions on Apr. 20 facilitating transfer of jobs of people employed by operation, maintenance, catering and clearing companies in govt. departments.
Over 20 lakh Bangladeshis work in the Oil-rich Gulf country while most of them doing such jobs sources said. In Saudi, job transfer was restricted and permits were not renewed for which many Bangladeshis either had to do ‘illegal job’ or forced to return to country. DS 24.4.09
Remove Bengalee settlers to preserve CHT heritage
Preserving the tradition, culture and heritage of the CHT would not be possible unless Bengalee settlers are removed from there without delay, said the speakers at a conference on Apr. 24.
“If we want to see Banderban, Rangamati and Khagrachari as and with its diversity, beauty and heritage, we must ensure that Bengalee settlers and armed forces are removed from the hill districts immediately,” said Prof. Ajoy Roy who presided over the meeting. He said, the tradition, heritage and diversity of the hill districts are at risk as 56 per cent of the total population there are Bengalees.
“At the present situation, we must also talk about indigenous peoples living in plain land as over the years their recognition has disappeared,” said Raja Devasish Roy.
Justice Gholam Robbani said, “Unless language and culture of ethnic minorities in the hill districts are preserved, we will forget our history. Once a nation forgets its history, the nation dies.”
Tribals protest for land rights
About a hundred tribal people of Godagari Upazila, Rasjshahi made a human chain at Shaheb Bazar, Rajshahi on Apr. 5 to protest harassment and a bid to evict tribals from their land by influential locals. An influential of Jamdaha village applied for khas land leased out to Hirua Sarder. When he was refused he came with 15 other settlers, attacked Hirua’s house, beat his wife and looted and damaged property. They threatened him to immediately leave the village. He filed a case and the police arrested one person, but his goons are threatening Hirua. The protest group demanded exemplary punishment to the land grabbers.
Over 33 militant outfits active
The number of active militant organisations in Bangladesh are more than 12, which reported the home ministry earlier. The intelligence officials and Rab gathered information that there are at least 33 militant organisations active in the country. A cabinet decision asked the home ministry to find out the sources of fund, their networks, process of recruitment, their patrons and local and int’l links, and report to the cabinet.
Sources said the intelligence officials identified five NGOs, without mentioning their names, which are either funding militancy or are active in militancy. The names of the 12 outfits mentioned in the earlier reports are: Jama’atul Mujahidin Bangladesh (JMB), Harkat-ul-Jihad al Islami (HUJI), Hizb-ut Tawhid, Ulama Anjuman al Baiyenat, Hizb-ut Hahrir, Islami Demicratic Party (IDP), Islami Samaj, Tauhid Trust, Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh (JMJB), Shaha-dat-e-al, Tamira ud-Din Bangladsh (Hizb-e-Omar) and Allahr Dal. Of those JMB, JMJB, Huji and Shahadat-e-al-Hikma are banned. DS 26.4.09
(Hotline Human Rights Bangla-desh has collected so far 137 names of militant organisation including the above names during the past years).
‘Criminals’ killed in “shootout”
A ‘criminal’, Nasiruddin Sumon alias Kosai Nasir, was killed in a shootout between his cohorts and Rab members on Apr. 10 at Dakkhin Keranigonj. He had been accused in at least 17 cases on various charges including murder and extortion. Rab said they recovered three firearms and five bullets from the spot.
In March the Home Minister told parliament that a total of 373 people were killed in crossfire during the tenure of previous BNP-led government.
A wanted ‘criminal’, Tota Miah, 35, son of Tilam Uddin of Maniknagar in Manikgonj, was killed by Rab-4 in ‘crossfire’ while a Rab personnel sustained injury on May 4 during encounter in Savar in early hours. Rab stated they recovered one pistol, four rounds of bullets, two machetes and two bottles of empty phensidyl from the spot. DS 5.5.09
An alleged ‘criminal’ identified as Alamgir Hossain Dilu, 35, of Khwaze Deewan Road, under Lalbagh, was killed and two Rab men injured in a shootout between Rab and his cohorts in Kamrangirchar early on May 6 allegedly while having a secret meeting.
The incident took place despite a warning given by the LGRD and Cooperative Minister on the same day against “extra-judicial killing.” He stated that AL will no more allow the law enforcing agencies to use “crossfire to escape killing without trial.” One of Dilu’s relatives said, Dilu was picked up at 8:00pm while he was returning home by a motorbike when ‘Rab men took him away blindfolded.’ DS. 7.5.09
On early May 15 three more suspected ‘criminals’ including Jubo League activist, were killed in separate shootouts between Rab and their cohorts in Dhaka and Barisal. The victims were identified as Sohel, 28, and Babu, 28, associates of city criminal Shahdat group, and Jalal Akand, 36, an expelled Jubo League activist of Nandapara in Barisal.
Despite of repeated commitment of some ministers that this government would not allow any more extra-judicial killings in the name of crossfire, Rab and other law enforcing agencies continue to killing people unabated in crossfire or in encounter. DS 16.5.09
Early on May 27 three alleged ‘criminals’ were killed in separate incidents of shootouts between their cohorts and Rab in Dhaka. Rab sources reported that a Rab member also allegedly sustained bullet injury during the shootout. The criminals were: Liton, 25, ringleader of Panku group and two unknown youths were dead on the spot in Mohakhali area. All three were aged between 20 to 25 years old. DS 28.5.09
Early morning on May 27 two youths were killed in a “shootout between them and Rab” near Manik Miah Avenue in the capital city, were students of Dhaka polytechnic Institute. Md. Ali Jinnah was a 6th semester student of mechanical engineering and a resident of Zahir Raihan Dormitory while Mohosin Sheikh was a final semester student of electrical engineering. Students of the Institute termed the killing a “planned killing by law enforcers” and demanded exemplary punishment to the culprits after an impartial investigation.
Students and teachers of the institute said Zinnah and Mohsin were members of Chhatra League but they never had any criminal records nor were they involved in any unethical activities.
Tejgaon Industrial Police Station sources said they found no cases or general diaries file with them against the two victims. The Principal of the Institute said there are four fractions of Chhatra League active in the Institution and they clash often over establishing supremacy on campus.
“Many cases have been filed against Chhatra League activists but these two were not accused in any of those cases,” he added. One of Zinnah’s room mates said, “Zinnah was a brilliant student.” DS.29.5.09
Killing in ‘crossfire’ causing concern
Despite repeated protests at home and abroad, extra-judicial killings by the law enforcers continue unabated, causing concerns among the people.
Apart from constituting human rights violation, killings in the name of ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter raise questions over the enforcers’ training and skills in handling firearms. Sources said around 800 people were killed in ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ in the country since 2004. Of them, 570 by Rab and the rest by police.
Some 70 were shot during ‘gunfight’ with police and Rab in last one month.
Rab reported 458 people were killed in ‘crossfire’ between Dec. 31, 2004 and Dec. 31, 2007, while over a hundred others were killed in 2008 and another 24 in the last four months. Moreover, around 200 were killed by police in ‘crossfire’ in last five years.
The last killing of two students of Dhaka Polytechnic Institute by Rab raised questions, as not a single GD was filed against them with any police station. Rab-2 claimed that the two victims first fired at them but the locals said they did not hear any gunshot during the time mentioned (12:30am on May 28). A Rab source said a departmental probe was going on to look into the incident.
Inspector General of Police (IGP) Nur Mohammad denied the allegations of power abuse by the law enforcers. He said, “Members of police and Rab have been given firearms to use against criminals. They are not killing any innocent people. Killing in ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ are not a new phenomenon. There is no instance of killing of any innocent person in crossfire.” He added, “The law enforcers have the right to self-defence.”
Human Rights Activist Sultana Kamal said, “Extra-judicial killing in the name of crossfire or encounter cannot be tolerated under any circumstances. If they want to say they kill people to save themselves, it would bring into question of their training, skills and orientation as well as the abuse of firearms bought with the money of the people.” She added, “We saw most of the victims got bullets in their chests or heads, not in legs.” She mentioned the ruling AL government pledged in their manifesto not to put up with extra-judicial killings, but it has not made good on the promise.
The former IGP SM Shahjahan said, “The law enforcers do have the right to act in self-defence, but they must be more cautious to avoid killings in custody. The practice of the custodial deaths must not be tolerated as it is the duty of the law enforcers to protect the people in their custody.” He said steps should bee taken to prevent such incidents.
Meanwhile, FM Dr. Dipu Moni said May 29, the government wants to put an end to the culture of ‘crossfire killings’, but that may not be possible overnight. DS. 30.5.09
[Hotline Human Rights recorded that 649 people were killed in ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’ with Rab, Cobra, Chita and army from July 2004 to May 2009, and 1,043 people were killed by police in the same manner between May 2003 to May 2009.]
JMB Explosives expert captured
After years in the hunt, Rab captured ‘Boma Mizan’, explosives experts of banned Islamist outfit Jama-atul Mujahiden Bangladesh (JMB) from Taltola, Mirpur, Dhaka on May 14 night. His arrest was followed by a high drama that unfolded when a Rab team took him to his house at 61/3, Uttar Pirerbbagh.
As they reached the doorstep at around 10:30pm, Mizan gave his wife Shermin some coded instructions, and immediately afterwards a bomb went off inside from which Sharmin’s right wrist has blown off and wounded her two little children - 2-yr-old son and a few months old girl. The boy sustained injuries and the baby girl’s dress bore bloodstains.
Around 100 law enforcers participated in the raid. Mizan came to Rab’s attention after countrywide serial blasts on Aug. 17, 2005. The intelligence unit of the elite crime busters gathered he had long been working as explosives expert for JMB. DS 15.5.09
Mizan confessed during his remand to Rab that he was asked by JMB to keep some bombs ready for terrorist attach on May 15 at a meeting at Joypurhat. He said the JMB high command used to pay him around Tk 30,000 a month - Tk 1,200 for food, Tk 11,000 for house rent, Tk 15,000 as pocket money and for organisa-tional activities and Tk 2,000 for clothing. Bashar and Sohel Mahfuz would hand him the money. The investigators said that the militants are mostly organised in Dhaka, Gazipur, Joypur-hat, Comilla and Chittagong districts. DS 18.5.09
Boma Mizan admitted to the Rab investigators that his prime job was to train the operatives in making bombs and grenades. He said there are at least 50 trained JMB bomb experts in Bangladesh. Mizan was taken for 10-day remand for interrogation on May 16.
On May 15, Rab busted a ‘mini-munitions factory’ of banned Islamist group JMB at East Monipur in Mirpur, Dhaka and recovered huge cache of bombs and bomb-making materials. The raid was on the information received from captured Boma Mizan and his wife Sharmin. ‘The seized materials could be used to make at least 1000 bombs,’ Rab said, and “In fact, the flat of Mizan was housing a mini-munitions factory. The chemicals and other materials recovered from there could even be used to improvise land and anti-personnel mines.” Sharmin said she exploded the bombs during her arrest to commit suicide.
Chand Miah, the owner of the Monipur flat, said Mizan introduced himself as a private firm employee and that he hailed from Barisal. DS. 16.5.09
Woman whipped after Fatwa
A Comilla court on May 25 placed three people on a 2-day remand in connection with a case filed against them for whipping a woman in arbitration following a fatwa (religious verdict as per Sharia law) at a village in Daudkandi on May 22 night. A case was filed against six people but the police could only arrest maulana Abul Kashem Pir Shaheb, Shal Alam and Abdul Karim. During the arbitration Abul Kashem spelled the fatwa to whip 100 times as the victim Rahima, 26, a single mother who sought to have her son’s paternity socially acknowledged. Rahima claimed that Abdul Karim was the father of her son but he denied it and spelled fatwa to whip her. Rahima was whipped until she lost her consciousness. The fatwa committee asked Rahima’s father to tie her hands and they whipped her in front of her father and many others. When Rahima lost her sense after 39 whippings, her father took her to the upazila Health Complex from where she was brought to the One Stop Crisis Centre (OSCC) of DMCH in Dhaka on May 25.
The DG of the MP’s office visited Rahima and assured her that prime minister would bear all the expenses for her treatment and legal aid.
DS. 26.5.09
Woman sold to brothel in Lebanon
Brokers in Jessore lured Fulban to Lebanon in January this year with promises for a job with a salary of Tk 12,000 a month and once there, they sold her to a brothel. The poor woman paid the brokers Tk 70,000 by selling her homestead and borrowing from others.
“Once in Lebanon, the agents there sold me to a brothel for $2,000. Since I refused to work there, the people at the brothel repeatedly tortured me, beating me up and heating me with hot iron rod. They laughed when I screamed in pain. And that was not the end. They threw acid on my body, burning me from my lower abdomen downwards.” Fulban was lucky that she could return home on Apr. 8. Bangladesh Women’s Lawyers Association is assisting her with legal help. DS 26.4.09
Girl raped, killed by “fiancé”
Shahine, an HSC examinee this year from Kushtia Govt. Girls’ College this year, died in the hospital Apr. 6 from being set afire after being raped. Her alleged killer Imjamamul Huq Tuku and Shahine had been intimate for years and were planning to get married. Her family said Tuku had recently denied relation with her and was trying to marry someone else. When Shahine protested by phone he told her to come home on Mar. 28 from the college hostel. He asked her to come out at midnight. Her family heard screaming and found her whole body burning. Shahine said Tuku and two accomplices had raped her, poured kerosene on her and set her afire. Dhaka Medical College Hospital had refused to admit her as beyond treatment. Her father filed a case against the accused, who are all absconding.
Kuwait-based NGO director deported
The govt. on Apr. 10 deported Sudan national Abbas Bao, director of Bangladesh chapter of Kuwait-basd NGO Revival of Islamic Heritage Society (RIHS) and asked him not return, as he is an “unexpected” person in the country.
Special Branch (SB) of police called him on Apr. 8 and asked him to leave the country immediately. An SB senior officer said, there are allegations that RIHS used to provide funds to the militants of Ahab, JMB and other organisations. He further said, “he is one of the listed people who are prohibited to stay in or enter the country.”
The NGO Affairs Bureau cancelled RIHS’s registration in May 2007 following a government decision. Ahle Hadith Andolan, Bangladesh (Ahab) chief Asadullah Al Galib helped RIHS got registered in Nov. 1996. Bao, the RIHS Deputy Dir. Gen. came to Bangladesh in 1996 and married a Bangladeshi woman from Kishorganj. There is another African national, Abdur Rahman, a close associate of Bao, married the sister of Bao’s wife.
After the Govt. banned al-Qaeda donor-suspect Al Haramain Foundation (now outlawed worldwide) in 2003 many Haramain staffs including five foreign nationals joined RIHS. Four of them were withdrawn from the country following the Aug. 17 serial blasts in 2005.
Executed JMB chief Abdur Rahman told the media in 2004 that he used to get funds from the RIHS and Saudi Arabian NGO Rabitat-e-Alam al Islami, allegedly run by Jamaat-e-Islami men. The RIHS has so far erected 1000 mosques, madrasas and orphanages across the country many of which were used by JMB, said the investigator. DS 10-4-09
NSI officer hired arms trucks
A National Security Intelligence field officer Akbar Hossian Khan was arrested Apr. 19 in Chittagong who had been identified on Apr., 12 by the owner and manager of Greenways transport agency as the one who hired 10 trucks for carrying “salt”. The trucks were seized at the CUFL jetty because they contained arms and ammos. Akbar used the fake name “Abul.” The CID arrested him after getting clearance from higher authorities.
The CID arrested two former chiefs of NSI, Maj. Gen (retd) Rezakul Haider Chowdhury from Dhanmondi house and Brig. Gen. (retd) M Abdur Rahim from his Banani DOHS house on May 16 after they arrested ex-NSI director Md. Sahab Uddin who gave a confessional statement about their involvement and alleged links to the 10 truckloads of weapons seized in Chittagong five years ago. Sahab’s 16-page statement disclosed that Rahim monitored this regarding the transport of the arms. He further said, before arrival of the consignment Rahim, Rezaqul and a few govt. officials met at a Dhanmondi residence to discuss how to ensure its safe passages. Paresh Barua, chief of ULFA’s operational wing, and two nationals of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan also attended the meeting.
The deadly shipment came from China and was bound for ULFA group in the northeastern Indian state of Asam. Sorces said NSI and DGFI official’s involvement came up also in the Mar. 2 confessional statement of Hafizur Rahman. DS 17.5.09
Both the arrestees Maj. Gen (retd) Rezzaqul Haider Chowdhury and Brig. Gen. Abdur Rahim tactfully avoided info on their involvement in the incident at their 6-days remand at the TFI cell in Dhaka. After the hearing on remand prayer both were sent to Chittagong jail on May 17.
Both Govt., foreign hands involved : ex-NSI
The ex-NSI director Sahab Uddin gave a confessional statement before the Metropolitan Magistrate on May 15 under 164 Cr. PC that number of high officials of the NSI and the government and some foreigners were involved in the Chittagong sensational arms case. However he remained tight-lipped in disclosing the details. Sources said he confessed his involvement in arranging transport and equipment for unloading the ship and named few former NSI official who were involved in the process. P.A. 16.5.09s
31 Hizb-ut Towhid activists arrested in Kushtia
On Apr. 17, police arrested 31 Hizb-ut Towhid activists, including six top-level leaders and two alleged militant trainers, seized books and leaflets on jihad and recovered two kg of white powder from Pather Disha office at Bara Bazarin Kushtia while thy were holding a secret meeting. All seized books and leaflet urged the people to come forward to establish “real Islam” following its leader Baiyezid Khan Ponni.
Locals said they often saw people aged 15 and 25 from different parts of the country gathered at the Pather Disha office owned by Mahbub Rahman. Police said a large number of trained Hizb-ut Towhid are active in Kushtia, Meherpur, Chuadanga, of Jhineidah in Khulna Division.
A Kushtia court sent 31 Hizb-ut Towhid men to Kushtia jail. The outfit has around 1,200 ‘trained’ activists including women’s wings. In the past Hizb-ut militants used hammer and ‘gul’ (a kind of powder of burnt tobacco) during clashes. Through different publications Hizb-ut is trying to teach the Muslim youths that jihad or military program or armed struggle is a must to establish the rule of Islam. DS 18.4.09
Body formed to tackle militancy
The govt. formed a 17-member high-profile committee on Apr. 20 headed by the state minister of home Tanjim Ahmed Sohel Taj comprising of seven ministers and top law enforcement and intelligence agencies to tackle militancy in the country and mobilize public opinion against militant activities. Thee committee will evaluate the procedure for investigation by collecting info, analyze them and issue necessary directives to combat militancy into all major subversive acts.
Thee state minister said major bomb blasts, grenade attacks and killings in the country will be given priority.
DS 23.4.09
DMC shut after BCL clash killed 1
Dhaka Medical College was closed sine die on Mar. 30 following series of clashes between two fractions of BCL that left a top leader killed and at least 20 people injured. BCL Gen Sec. Abul Kalam Asad Rajob was first admitted to Orthopedic Hospital and then shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) and the to Combined Military Hospital (CMH) where he died at 6:30pm. Residential students were asked to vacate its three hostels, except overseas female students immediately after in clash. DS. 1.5.09
Madrasas exempted from nat’l days observance
The govt. has asked the authorities of all the primary and secondary schools, excepting madrasas, to keep open their institutions and observe three national days - on Int’l Mother Language day, Independence and National Day and Victory Day - with due honor and solemnity. “On these days, the institutions will remain open with no classes but schools have to arrange functions to make the students understand the importance of the days,” stated the letter signed by senior assistant secretary of the education ministry on May 11.
When asked why madrasas are exceptional, the secretary said, “As the madrasas have no directorate, they have been kept out of the purview of the order.”
Replying to a query a deputy secretary of the education ministry, Zia Hasan told, “All the ibtedayi madrasas are under the jurisdiction of the education ministry.”
Back in Feb. 5, 2007 the education ministry asked all the education institutions, except for madrasas, to hoist the national flag at half-mast on International Mothers Language day. Following publication of the report, the chief advisor of the then caretaker Dr. Fakruddin Ahmed, on Feb. 22 asked the education advisor, Ayub Quadri, to find out why the madrasas were not asked to hoist the national flag.
“As the officers were blamed for the incident, no investigation was held,” said an official. N.A. 12.5.09
All madrasas to be asked to observe
‘All madrasas will be asked to keep open their institutions and observe thre national days with due honor and solemnity,’ the education minister, Nurul Islam Nahid told on May 12. When asked about the issuance of two circulars asking only the primary and secondary schools to observe those days, the minister said, ‘It was a mistake and I will ask my officials to issue a fresh order where all madrasas will also be asked to keep open and observe the days.’ A circulation issued on May 11 stated that ‘All the government and non-government junior secondary and secondary schools will need to remain open on Int’l Mother Language day, Independence and Nat’l Day and Victory Day. No classes will be held on the days, but schools will need to arrange functions to make the students understand the importance of the days.’
A similar letter was sent to all the govt. and non-govt. primary schools to observe the days with due honor and solemnity. New Age, 3.5.09
Acid violence continues for loopholes
Slack enforcement of laws and delay in the disposal of the acid attack victim’s cases - due to undue influence on the judiciary as well as on the police administration - were the major hindrances to the stopping of acid violence, said acid attack survivors on May 5 at a gathering to mark the 10th Anniversary of the Acid Survivors Foundation in Bangladesh. They also spoke about their plight and harassments they had to undergo when sought justice. More than 500 acid survivors from home and abroad participated the daylong program.
The acid throwers more often escape due punishment due to the loopholes in the laws and lack of strict enforcement of the laws, they said. The political big shots influence the trial process to protect the criminals, the keynote paper stated.
‘The govt. has taken the initiative to form acid control committees to make acid inaccessible to the non-professional buyers and to stop misuse of harmful acid. The police have been asked to take prompt action against the acid throwers,’ said Sahara Khatun, the home minister. NA. 6.5.09
Slaving for cookware
Children toil in aluminium hell, work for 13 hours a day for meager wages of Tk 200 to 400 a week. An overpowering stench of chemicals and acid hangs in the air as children aged 10 - 18 works at Bandhu Metal Factory in Nurbagh in Keranigonj. Without slightest precautionary measures, children work at the tin-roofed congested factory and inhale huge aluminium dust 13 hours a day. They start their work at 6:00am without any fixed wage and get between Tk 200 to 400 weekly depending not on their work but age. The factory is crammed with machines and materials and in high temperature, almost unbearable even for the grown ups.
The same condition is in all the neighboring factories. Little children handles acid and alkali in bear hands at Shuvo plastic factory. The state minister for Labor and Manpower said May 13 that the present situation of child labor is very deplorable and dangerous but the govt. will try to improve the situation in phases in future. DS. 14.5.09
HRW for disbanding DGFI, Rab
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has recommended disbanding Rab and Director General of Forces Intelligence (DGFI), terming them symbols of abuse and impunity in a report released on May 18 from New York.
In a 76-page report it said that if the two forces are not disbanded they should be made to comply with existing laws and int’l human rights norms. HRW Asia Director Brad Adams said, “The very forces tasked with upholding the law and providing security to the public have become well known for breaking the law in the gravest manner without ever facing any consequences. “Forces such as Rab and DGFI have become symbols of abuse and impunity,” he said recommending, “These two forces be disbanded given their long history of arbitrary arrests, torture and extra-judicial killings.” The report details the involvement of soldiers, para military officers, and police in so-called “crossfire killings” and other custodial killings, torture, disappearances and arbitrary arrests.
Over the past five years, the army, Rab - an elite crime-fighting force, and the police have been responsible for well over 1000 killings, the HRW report claimed.
That Govt. will have to implement its policy of zero-tolerance towards extra-judicial acts, said Sultana Kamal, the executive of ASK. DS. 19.5.09
CHT implementation body recast
Deputy Leader of the House Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury has been made chairperson of the National Committee for Implementation of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) Peace Accord on May 19, declared Dipankar Talukder, the state minister for CHT Affairs at a meeting of the parliamentary standing committee on CHT affairs in Banderban. It was the first time that a parliamentary standing committee meeting was held outside the parliament house. He further informed that the CHT Land Commission will be formed soon and an energetic person will be appointed as chairman who is the most important institution in CHT..
Published by Rosaline Costa, Hotline (HRs) Bangladsh
Box-5, Dhaka-1000, Bangladesh
Phone:+9352149, E-mail:costa_rosie@yahoo.com, Web: www.hotlinebd.org
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