The Hindu : International : "Liberal space shrinking in Bangladesh"

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Mar 06, 2005

International

International

"Liberal space shrinking in Bangladesh"

By Haroon Habib

DHAKA, MARCH 5. Local and international human rights campaigners have voiced grave concern over the growing trend of violence, religious militancy and bomb attacks on political and cultural events in Bangladesh. They raised their concern at a press briefing in Dhaka after the conclusion of a two-day "Human Rights Consultation Seminar", jointly organised by Amnesty International (AI) and Human Rights Defenders in Bangladesh. Around 50 human rights defenders from across the country attended the seminar and spoke on the work they do, the problems they face and the action needed to be taken to face the challenges.

The seminar stressed the importance of strengthening human rights organisations in the country, including setting up of an independent human rights commission, the office of the ombudsman and a decisive move to separate the judiciary from the administration.

In response to queries, Abbas Faiz, researcher of regional programme of Amnesty International said human rights activists throughout the country were being harassed, arrested and tortured. "They are also facing death threats." Mr. Abbas said over 10 journalists, who were also human rights defenders, have been killed since 2000. "Impunity is one of the major reasons for continued human rights violation in Bangladesh," he said, pointing out the outcome of the seminar. He stressed the need for bringing criminals to justice to protect the rights of human rights defenders and called for urgent action by the Government. Asked about the situation in Bangladesh, Mr. Abbas said, "The liberal space of rights of the people is shrinking gradually. Their rights are being squeezed and this liberal space should be strengthened."

Extra-judicial killings

About extra-judicial killings by the Rapid Action Battalion, he said, "We have to investigate it and this is the decision has to be taken by the Amnesty International in London." To improve the situation in Bangladesh, he suggested that the Government should strengthen its own support system.

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