NHRC investigating hill student leader Romel's death

A committee formed by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has launched investigation into the death of student leader Romel Chakma allegedly from torture by the army.

Commission member Banchita Chakma said the three-member committee visited Romel's house and recorded statements of his parents, relatives, neighbours and local representatives at Naniarchar in Rangamati on Monday.

NHRC Deputy Director for Rangamati Gazi Salauddin is heading the committee. Executive Magistrate Oli Uzzaman and Banchita are the two members.

Banchita told bdnews24.com that it was given 15 days to submit a report.

Romel, general secretary of the Naniarchar Upazila unit of the Pahari Chhatra Parishad (PCP) or Hill Students Council, died at a hospital in police custody on Apr 19 after being arrested by the army on Apr 5. 

Protesters have claimed he was tortured to death and his body was burnt to destroy evidence. The army has refuted the allegations.

PCP and United People's Democratic Front or UPDF have demanded investigation into the death of the student leader, calling it a 'murder'.