Repression on the Physically Challenged
Law enforcers negligent in handling cases: Guardians
Law enforcers appear negligent in handling cases of the physically and mentally challenged people who face various forms of repression, alleged guardians of the victims and rights activists yesterday.
Police dilly-dally in accepting and investigating cases, while the perpetrators having links with influential people pressurise the victims' families to withdraw the cases or face dire consequences, they said.
The allegations came at a view exchange meeting titled “Demanding justice for physically or mentally challenged people violated of their human rights” in the city's Dhaka Reporters Unity.
Parliamentarians Caucus on Disability and National Forum of Organizations Working with the Disabled jointly organised the meeting.
Niranjan Mallik, father of Kamala Rani Mallik, a physically challenged girl who was allegedly violated and killed in July 2009, said he is still waiting to see the trial of the killers but sees no progress.
“They (perpetrators) control everything with money and are continuously threatening me...please save me,” said Niranjan, urging the government to ensure justice.
Member of a human rights organisation said police initially did not accept a case against the co-worker of a 14-year-old girl, working in a washing and dyeing plant in Tejgaon last year, for allegedly violating her.
They recorded the case three days after the incident following requests from her organisation, she said, adding that the perpetrator is still working at the company after getting bail while the victim was sacked.
The forum Secretary General Jowaherul Islam Mamun said, “Police lack interest in taking cases as most of the victims are economically insolvent and the perpetrators are influential.”
Everyone must raise their voice to stop repression against these challenged people, said Deputy Speaker Col (retd) Shawkat Ali.
There is no option for the release of the perpetrators following a compromise with the victims' families, he said.
Convener of the parliamentary caucus Abdul Matin Khasru said it is the duty of the state to ensure equal rights for the physically and mentally challenged people.
“Equal rights are not charity but one of the basic rights.” Enacting a new right-based law for physically and mentally challenged people is underway, he noted.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments