Ethics and human rights

While talking about human rights abuses in Bangladesh it is important to mention the crimes perpetrated by the state in the name of national security. It is often seen that in any war like situation, human rights take the back seat. Law and order situation triumphs over other issues. While some prisoners of conscience get attention in the media, there are scores of others we never hear about. In many parts of the country, economic issues were complicated by a rising tide of violence. While many of these issues seem, on the surface, to have ideological or religious dimensions, their underlying cause is more often social and economic. For example, the deprivation of basic rights of large section of the population and the gross disparity between the rich and the poor over a prolonged period of time lead to the disadvantaged becoming disillusioned with the democratic process. Nevertheless, such conflicts are often viewed as problems of law and order. Consequently, all dissent against the government even those related to free speech, association and ideology are viewed as sedition. The police, who should enforce the letter and spirit of law equally for all citizens, are more often seen as derelict in their duties. Instead of upholding law they directly violate human rights by making discrimination, causing harassment or applying excessive use of force. The lack of professionalism amongst its members and political control of the police force make them less capable in protecting law-abiding citizens. Bangladesh's failure to ratify the U.N. convention against torture even a decade after signing the treaty and to enact laws to prevent such forms of interrogation and maltreatment has worsened the situation. The absence of functional independence for the police force, the external interference in their work, the absence of an independent appointment and monitoring committee and the lack of legislation regarding police reforms add further miseries to these problems. The charge of sedition, when brought up by the government and the police acting in unison, tends to result in a paralysis within the already slow judicial system. Great talents are the loveliest but seem to be the most dangerous fruits on the tree of humanity. They hang upon the most slender twigs that are easily snapped off. War is the greatest plague that afflicts humanity. It destroys religion, it destroys states, and it destroys families. When freedom does not have a purpose, when it does not wish to know anything about the rule of law engraved in the hearts of men and women, when it does not listen to the voice of conscience, it turns against humanity and society. Human rights organisations have been systematically studying these issues and have been recommending changes in policies and practice in Bangladesh. The changes will require the acceptance of the principle that development has to be tempered with social justice. The issue of human rights will have to receive high priority. It is mandatory that violence and terror be combated with the establishment of justice, especially for the poor and the marginalized. While the country's security concerns are genuine and Bangladesh has the moral and legal authority to protect its people, sole reliance on security measures, which often result in human rights abuses, will not achieve the goals of peace and prosperity. Our governmental policies should focus on social justice and on inclusive growth and development, which in the long run will provide greater security for all peace loving people. Our humanity rests upon a series of learned behaviours, woven together into patterns that are infinitely fragile and never directly inherited. The writer can be reached at e-mailgopalsengupta@aol.com