Concern over rise in activities of militant fundamentalists

Professor Kabir Chowdhury speaks at a press conference at the National Press Club in the city yesterday. On his left are justice KM Sobhan and Shyamoli Nasrin Chowdhury and on his right is journalists Shahriar Kabir. The South Asian People's Union against Fundamentalism and Communalism organised the press conference. PHOTO: STAR

"According to newspaper reports, the militant fundamentalists have executed at least ten people in their extra-judicial 'court' during the last one and half months," said Union President Prof. Kabir Chowdhury at a press conference in the city.

The militant outfits have been carrying out their activities in northern region with the help of local administration, displacing hundreds of people from their homes in nine thanas of Rajshahi, he added.

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Referring to the emergence of Islamist outfit Jagrata Muslim Janata Bangladesh, bomb attack on the British high commissioner at the shrine of Hazrat Shahjalal in Sylhet and the brutal attack on Prof. Humayun Azad, the leaders blamed the communal elements in the ruling alliance for such a horrific situation.

They also alleged that the government is also violating the court orders.

Jamuna Group Chairman Nurul Islam Babul was arrested soon after he was released on bail despite the court order that he could not be arrested without warrant and any scope for self-defence, said Prof. Kabir Chowdhury.

The High Court granted ad interim bail to Proshika President Qazi Faruque Ahmed, but police arrested him on May 22 over a different allegation, he added.

Prof. Kabir also said torture during remand and in joint interrogation cell is a violation of human rights and fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Referring to legal counsels' opinions, columnist Shahriar Kabir said placing Qazi Faruque on remand was unprecedented as identified criminals are usually taken on remand to extract information.

Justice KM Sobhan said that although the inspector general of police was punished for contempt of court, he still holds office as a high public official.

Prof. Muntasir Mamun of Dhaka University said the High Court should take into cognizance the incidents of violations of laws and constitutional rights by police.