Society anxious due to killings, disappearances

Deep-seated anxiety exists in Bangladesh over the continuation of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances while there are immense problems centring protection and promotion of civic and political rights, said NHRC Chairman Prof Mizanur Rahman yesterday.

He was addressing the closing session of a two-day consultation on the "2nd Cycle UPR Recommendations: Status of Implementation" organised by National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in the capital's Cirdap auditorium.

"The day before yesterday, we observed some 19 families crying before the nation to get back their fathers or brothers or sons who disappeared in the last two years allegedly after being picked up by law enforcing agencies," said Mizanur.

"So where is the pledge Bangladesh made before the international community two years back in Geneva that the country pursues zero tolerance toward extrajudicial killings and disappearances," he said.

State Minister for women and children affairs Meher Afroze Chumki said Bangladesh has been taking care of Rohingyas for the last three decades despite facing immense sufferings but the international community was not paying heed to related problems.

Since half the world population comprised women, protecting their human rights could ensure that for all, she said.

Meher reiterated that the marriageable age for girls would be kept 18 years in the child marriage restrain act, saying, "We are still working with the act to solve some social complications."  

The capacity of the government, institutions, bureaucracy and judiciary has to be built to protect and promote human rights in Bangladesh, said Swiss Ambassador Christian Fotsch.

Swedish Ambassador Johan Frisell said it needs to be ensured that rights of religious minorities and ethnic groups in Bangladesh were not violated.

Extrajudicial killings and disappearances should be addressed to protect human rights, he added. Kazi Reazul Hoque, fulltime member of NHRC, also spoke.