Bangladesh human rights activists concerned over deaths in anti-drug operations

Human-rights activist Sultana Kamal has demanded fresh investigations into the recent killings in alleged shootouts during anti-drug raids.

She raised the demand at a programme at Dhaka Reporters Unity on Monday.

“Isn’t there any alternative to the (killings in drives) to end the drugs menace and terrorism?” she asked.  

At least 15 people have been killed during the anti-drug operations in different districts of Bangladesh after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina ordered tough measures against drug addicts and dealers. 

According to the police and RAB, the drug dealers first opened fire, forcing the law enforcers to retaliate.

But some families of the deceased have claimed they were detained from home before the shootouts.

A man lies dead after an anti-drug operation in Chattogram on Thursday night.

Sultana Kamal said, ‘We are not in a war. One should be concerned when five to six people are killed a day of shootouts during this normal way of life.”

She also doubted the versions and number of the incidents provided by the law enforcers.

“They must inform us about all these incidents and investigate all of these separately,” she said. 

“We need to know about these because it is us who have handed them the weapons," she added.

The human-rights activist also said every one, no matter what offence he or she commits, has the right to justice.

“They (drug traffickers) must be tried in line with the law of the land. The guilty should be handed the penalty they deserve."

She recommended passing tougher laws to suppress the trafficking and use of drugs instead of killing the suspects in shootouts.

The Coordination of NGOs for Adivasis or CNA, Network of Non-Mainstreamed Marginalized Communities (NNMC), Association of Land Reform and Development (ALRD) and Kapaeeng Foundation organised the programme to discuss the recent UN Universal Periodic Review (UPR) of human rights situation in Bangladesh.

Shamsul Huda, executive director of ALRD, said, “Extrajudicial killings are continuing unabated in the country.

“But killing criminals, including drug dealers and others, in the name of crossfire is a violation of human rights.

“We condone anti-drug operations, but the way they are being conducted, it needs a second thought. Otherwise, it will be more dangerous for the state in future,” he added.