Deaths in Custody

HR body calls DMP boss to its office

4 July 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) called the Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner to its office today concerning custodial death of three people during last week. "The commission is concerned and seriously anxious over these incidents," said NHRC Chairman Dr Mizanur Rahman adding, “DMP Commissioner AKM Shahidul Hoque has been invited to our office by 11:00am to know about the steps taken by DMP." The NHRC chairman would also ask the timeframe to implement the DMP's measures. “We always expect the government to take proper procedures, otherwise human rights will be violated,” said Rahman. Businessmen Mizanur Rahman of Badda, Babul Kazi of Nayatola in Ramna and Mujibur Hossain of Melartek Ghat in Darussalam died in police custody. Mizanur was shot dead while Babul Kazi and Mujibur Rahman were tortured to death allegedly by law-enforcers. Meanwhile, the DMP authorities have formed separate committees to investigate the incidents. Chief Executive of Bangladesh Human Rights Foundation Elina Khan said police investigation is not acceptable when law enforcers are the suspects. She said a judicial probe is needed to ensure justice for the affected families.