MAILBOX

Concerns of a Worried Foreigner 

As a foreigner, currently staying in Bangladesh, I have the following concerns; due to security reasons foreigners are requested - by their respective embassies - to be vigilant at all times. We are advised 'not to open the door' of our private residence to unknown people (especially after dark). However from news reports we learned that 'plain-cloth police' (or intelligence agencies) have the practice to pick-up people (for interrogation) from their residence, even after dark. According to press reports, it seems that the law enforcement agencies are unwilling to show identification if they take people away (for interrogation). Police/intelligence agencies refuse to provide information to the relatives (or lawyer) of the arrested person, or simply deny they are involved in the arrest (regardless of the witness statements of relatives of the person 'taken away').

So what are my (our) rights? What can I do if 'plain-cloth' (unknown) people, stating that they are police or intelligence forces, knock on my door? Do I let them in or can I refuse? Can I ask for identification? How can I recognise if the identification they show me is authentic? Can I refuse to comply with their demands? Do I have to go with them in their vehicle to be transported to their office/department? Do I have the right to be accompanied by a family member/friend/lawyer? How can I be sure that the person claiming to be a police/intelligence person is not a criminal or terrorist but a real police with the legitimate authority to take me away for questioning (or legal warrant to enter to search my private residence)? 

I forward these questions because of sincere security worries. It is imperative to respect the law in Bangladesh however it is difficult to obey (understand) the law if that law is not clearly explained to all (including foreign embassies).

A concerned foreigner

The Need for Social Work
 

I really liked the article titled "The Need for Social Work" published in the Star Weekend on September 23, 2016. This article emphasises on the fact that the media needs to play a bigger role in highlighting those individuals who perform acts of kindness voluntarily. And, it will inspire people, especially the youth, to be engaged in various types of social works. I am really surprised to see a glaring example of how media can influence social good in the society. That is, The Daily Star ran a report on September 12, 2016 with the headline "Giving Love to the Forgotten" about a youth named Saiful Islam who set a unique example of humanity by selflessly serving unidentified patients at Chittagong Medical College Hospital (CMCH) since 2013. Through this news report, the information of this selfless youngster reached the concerned authority. Eventually, Chittagong District Administration honoured the young man generously. The news of his recognition was also published in The Daily Star on September 23, 2016 with the headline "Youth Honoured for Selfless Service." I think this is really inspiring and a ideal example of a socially responsible media.

Forhad Milon
Chittagong University