Extrajudicial Killings in Anti-Drug Drive: HRW calls for probe

The Human Rights Watch yesterday urged Bangladesh government to order an independent investigation into the allegations of extrajudicial killings during its “war on drugs”.

Brad Adams, Asia director of the New York-based international rights body, said, “While drugs are a serious problem in Bangladesh, any campaign against them should be conducted within the rule of law and avoid the use of unnecessary force.

“Until this spate of killings is independently investigated and proper procedures are put in place to protect the public, the campaign should be suspended.”

Citing some recent cases that has led to widespread public outrage, including the killing of Akramul Haque in Teknaf, the HRW urged the government to establish an independent commission to investigate allegations of extrajudicial killings.

This is particularly important as, despite previous commitments, the government has failed to hold RAB or other security forces accountable for credible allegations of similar abuses, said an HRW statement.

The UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials state that “law enforcement officials, in carrying out their duty, shall, as far as possible, apply non-violent means before resorting to the use of force and firearms,” Adams said.

“Everyone deserves a fair trial and to be safe from summary execution by state security forces. The government of Bangladesh has long claimed that it has a zero-tolerance policy against abuses, yet we continue to see an ongoing pattern of wrongful killings, whether it is against alleged drug dealers, political opponents, or others.”

The UN on Wednesday said some 130 people have reportedly been shot dead by security forces across Bangladesh in the three weeks since May 15 and another 13,000 arrested. It said the killings began after the Government announced its “zero tolerance” policy to confront the growing consumption of drugs in the country, particularly the spread of methamphetamine.

On Wednesday, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein condemned the alleged extra-judicial killings of suspected drug offenders in Bangladesh and urged the authorities to ensure that these serious human rights violations are immediately halted and perpetrators brought to justice.

“I am gravely concerned that such a large number of people have been killed, and that the Government reaction has been to assure the public that none of these individuals were 'innocent' but that mistakes can occur in an anti-narcotics drive.

“I urge the authorities to adopt a national drug policy that is compliant with Bangladesh's obligations under international human rights law and international narcotics conventions, ensuring full respect for the right to health of people who use drugs,” Zeid said.

The EU Heads of Mission in Bangladesh in a statement last week said, “We expect the authorities to ensure that all incidents involving the deaths of alleged criminal suspects are investigated fully and in accordance with due processes.”