Global human rights organisations in Geneva have painted in their reports a grim picture of the rights situations globally, including Bangladesh.
"In Bangladesh, routine reports continue to be made of torture and ill-treatment, particularly in custodial situations where law-enforcement agencies seek confessional statements following arrest or detention."
The Human Rights Forum of Bangladesh (HRFB), a platform of 19 leading rights agencies, cited this in a report to the UN Convention against Torture (UNCAT).
The 67th session of the CAT and Other Cruel Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment is being held there.
However, law minister Anisul Huq, who is leading the Bangladesh delegation, highlighted Bangladesh's efforts to improve the human rights situation.
Ain O Salish Kendra, Transparency International, Bangladesh, BLAST, Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Karmajibi Nari, among others, are the member organisations of the forum.
"Since enactment of the Anti-Torture Act to date (January 2014-May 2019), 1335 persons were reportedly victims of extrajudicial killings by LEAs (law-enforcement agencies)…," cited the HRFB report.
"Moreover, 348 prisoners (both under-trial and convicts) reportedly died in jail custody till date (January 2014- May 2019)," it added.
Government interference in lower-court proceedings and their use as a political weapon through undue promotions and transfers, adjournment of hearings, release of accused persons and case withdrawals are rampant, the HRFB report said.
The report stated that the higher judiciary often played its due role against extrajudicial killings or torture and passed necessary orders to secure justice.
But it has now been felt that the judiciary has been failing to play the appropriate role in protecting citizens when political activists are involved.
The National Human Rights Commission rarely takes a strong stance regarding alleged human rights violations by state security forces, the report mentioned.
Article 33 of the Constitution bars the arrest and detention of a person without being informed of the reason for such arrest.
It also requires production of any arrestee within 24 hours but, the report said, there are examples of violations of these laws by the authorities.
The report referred to the violation of Article 33(1) which has guaranteed the right to consult and be defended by a legal practitioner of his or her choice.
However, law minister Mr Huq highlighted Bangladesh's obligation to promote and protect human rights of its people.
He also expressed unequivocal commitment to global rights instruments like regular submission of reports to the UN treaty bodies.
"Bangladesh suffered a culture of impunity after the assassination of the father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, which created a serious erosion of values in the society."
"All efforts of the present government have been towards removing that evil from society, which takes time. However, there has been incremental progress which is there for all to see."
The committee welcomed Bangladesh's submission of its initial report and appreciated the nation to rise from the scourge of genocide during the 1971 liberation war.
It commended adoption of the Torture and Custodial Death (Prevention Act) and other legal and administrative measures, and the judiciary's proactive role in executing provisions of the convention.
The committee called the government to address torture complaints and ensure justice for the victims.
The UN convention was adopted in 1984 and Bangladesh became a party to it in 1998.
Bangladesh team also includes state minister for foreign affairs Md Shahriar Alam and the foreign secretary.
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