128 killed in \\\'crossfire,\\\' 88 disappeared

Terming the country's human rights situation in 2014 'alarming', Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), said on Wednesday that at least 128 people were killed in "crossfire" and 88 disappeared across the country during the year.

In its annual report, ASK revealed that some 147 people were killed in 664 incidents of political violence in 2014 while 8,373 others received injuries.
"At least 88 people became victims of forced disappearance this year. Twelve of them returned while bodies of 23 were found later", ASK Executive Director Sultana Kamal said at a press conference while releasing the report on human rights situation of the country.
The press conference was held at the Dhaka Reporters' Unity (DRU) in the city.
"The incidents of 'crossfire' increased sharply in the year. Some 72 people were killed in crossfire last year which is almost 80 per cent less than the number of the current year."
According to the report, a total of 88 incidents of disappearance took place in 2014.
"Among the victims, 12 were found alive, two found in jail while 23 of them were found dead. A large number of people are still missing."
"Some 147 people were killed in 664 incidents of political violence in 2014 while 8,373 others received injuries. Some 24 people were killed in incidents of violence, centring January 5 polls while 11 were killed during upazila elections," the annual report said.
Miscreants have vandalised and set fire to 761 houses of Hindu community people across the country.
The report also mentioned that 13 people were killed in police custody while two were killed in police beating during the arrest attempts in the year.
"One person also committed suicide in jail in the fear of police torture," added the report.
The number of the border killings stood at 273 while the custodial deaths at 60, the report said.
The report further showed that two journalists were killed while 78 others tortured in 2014.
Sultana Kamal said many incidents of obstructing meetings and rallies in publics places occurred in 2014.
"Though it is a constitutional right to hold meetings and rallies, the authority has obstructed public meetings of opposition parties across the country," she said.
Sultana Kamal also said torture on women increased tremendously during the outgoing year.
Asked, Sultana Kamal said people of the country have very low confidence in the judiciary system.  
"Whatever crime happens, people think that there will not be any justice if such a situation continues and it is a matter of grave concern," she added.
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