Hartal deaths human rights violation

Referring to the schoolteacher's death caused by brickbats hurled by pro-hartal activists in Noakhali on Monday, National Human Rights Commission chairman yesterday said killing or injuring people during hartals is an outright violation of human rights, and political parties should stop the practice.

Mizanur Rahman Khan made the comment at a mock youth parliament on Right to Food arranged by Oxfam at the senate building on Dhaka University campus.

Referring to the 12-hour detention of the father of four-year-old Jihad, who died after falling into a deep well, Mizan said, "We do not want any state where law enforcers harass a citizen instead of providing help."

Mizan also urged the government to enact a law on "right to food" to ensure food for every citizen.

Fazle Rabbi Miah, deputy speaker of the parliament, also spoke at the event.