URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION:Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

Human Rights Defender URGENT ACTION:Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT ACTION: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT APPEAL: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegally detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

URGENT APPEAL: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been illegaly detained, ill treated and harassed by the police

FACT FINDING REPORT:Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been detained and ill treated and harassed by the police

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-07-09                      Date: December 23, 2009

Report of BIHR

Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam has been detained and ill treated and harassed by the police

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a report regarding to detained and victimized of ill treatment of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Executive Director of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and also member of Bangladesh Bar Council as well as Dhaka district Bar Association on December 23, 2009 around at 3.30 pm at Kakrail Mosque Square Police Box by Ramna Thana Police. According to the information received, after more than 3 hours around at 6.30 Mr. Islam has been released by the interfere of BRCT stuff. Yet the police administration has not been taken any action on this regard.

GHRD’s partners in South Asia observe International Human Rights Day

On 10 December 2009, GHRD’s partners in South Asia organised different events to observe the International Human Rights Day under the theme of Empowerment and Civil Participation of Women and/or Children, with the aim to enhance civil society participation to empower and strengthen the identity and self-image of marginalised women in society. The activities of the partners are documented below reflecting the success of their actions and commitment in the field.

BIHR, BRCT, GHRD, NHRDA Jointly Celebrates the International Human Rights Day-2009

Notice: Invitation for attending the International Human Rights day 09 Celebration events

Dear friends,

Greeting from BIHR

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR), Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), Naogaon Human Rights development association (NHRDA) and Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) is jointly going to celebrate International Human Rights Day 2009( 10 December) at Dhaka and Naogaon. A human chain followed by the rally in front of National Press Club at 10. am, a discussion meeting at Dhaka reporter unity building at 11. am and a street drama, in front of Shaheed Meenar around at 4.00 pm would be organized as the part of the celebration of International Human Rights day 2009.

NEWS: BRCT Offers Training Opportunity for the Adibashi (Tribes/ Indigenous) Students

A nationally well-known health and human rights based organization and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), under the project of “Treatment and Rehabilitation of Adibashi (tribes/ Indigenous) Victims of Torture and Organized Violence in Bangladesh” with financial assistance of European Delegation in Bangladesh, in cooperation with Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) is please to announce of training programme on Health and Human Rights for Adibashi students. The main objective of the training is to develop a cadre of trainers among Adibashi students on health and human rights. The duration of the course will be two week long. The course curriculum will be focused on different heath and human rights issues which are related to daily livelihood of Adibashi community.

URGENT APPEAL: BANGLADESH:UPDATE Ensure the protection of human rights defender: Shahanur Islam Saikot.

18 August 2009 The Hague 

 URGENT APPEAL: [UPDATE] BANGLADESH:UPDATE Ensure the protection of human rights defender: Shahanur Islam Saikot.[UA-BA-2009-08-18] ------------------------------

ISSUES: Threats, death threats to human rights defenders; impunity ------------------------------------------------------ 

 BANGLADESH: Ensure the protection of human rights defender: Shahanur Islam Saikot. Dear Friends, Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) would like to update you on the recent developments in the case of Shahanur Islam, a human rights defender and lawyer in Bangladesh. We are pleased to inform you that a police investigation has been initiated into the threats made against Mr Islam. However, there has also been a new recent incident of intimidation on August 16, 2009. Mr. Islam received another intimidating phone call, this time threatening him with imprisonment and with the false implication in a criminal case. 

FACT FINDING REPORT:Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam Received Threat of Arrest with False & concocted Drug Case

Date: August 17, 2009 

 Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-06-09 

  Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact finding report regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. 

  BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: Name of the Victim :Mr. Shahanur Islam, Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT, General Secretary and Executive Director of Bangladesh centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD). During the time of his duties, he moved many cases against the perpetrators as a lawyer and some of them have been punished. He also conducted many investigations and fact-finding missions on human rights violations as well as issued local and international urgent appeals requesting attention to concerned authorities. Name of the Perpetrators : Mr. Sagor, Mohakhali, Dhaka, Bangladesh Date of Incident : August 16, 2009, early in the morning around at 12.21 am Cell phone Number of the perpetrator: 01675029018 

NEWS:An Investigation Has Been Started Regarding to Receive Continuous Threats against Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot

You will be happy to know that an investigation has been started regarding to receive continuous threats against Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Advocate and Human Rights Defender by unidentified person after receiving letter from Asian Centre for Progress of People (ACPP), Hong Kong. According to direction of Inspector General of Police of Bangladesh, Mr. Aminul Islam, Inspector of Police, Special Branch (SCO), Dhaka has started the investigation on august 04, 2009. During the investigation he met with Mr. Islam and collect all document regarding the case and assured him to find out the perpetrators as well as take other necessary steps to bring the culprits before the book.

NEWS: Human Chain Demanding on Exemplery Punishment and Compensation

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) along with Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) has been organized a Human Chain demanding exemplary punishment to the culprit who are directly or indirectly involve with production and marketing of adultery Paracetamol Sysup; Ensuring adequate financial compensation as well as physical and psychological integrity of the family member of the victims who were died after taking adultery Paracetamol Sysup on July 30, 2009 from 12.00-13.00 pm in front the National Press Club, Dhaka, Bangladesh. During the programme more than 100 people were

NEWS: Human Chain

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) along with Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) is going to organized a Human Chain demanding exemplary punishment to the culprit who are directly or indirectly involve with production and marketing of adultery Paracetamol Sysup; Ensuring adequate financial compensation as well as physical and psychological integrity of the family member of the victims who were died after taking adultery Paracetamol Sysup tomorrow on July 30, 2009 from 12.00-13.00 pm in front the National Press Club, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

UEGENT APPEAL: Human rights situation in Camp Ashraf-Iraq

Ms. Navi Pillay

High Commissioner for Human Rights

United Nations

Geneva/ Switzerland

Subject: Human rights situation in Camp Ashraf-Iraq

Dear Ms. Pillay

Since January 1^st, 2009, when the protection of Camp Ashraf in Iraq has been transferred from US forces to the Iraqi government, the international community is faced with an increasing anxiety over the violation of the most basic rights of 3500 people in Camp Ashraf who 1000 of them are women. Ashraf is home to the members of the Iranian opposition, People's Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI).

FACT-FINDING REPORT: Attacked on the Village of Indigenous People to Grab Land and Pond: Many of Them Assaulted

The news headed on “Attacked on the Village of Indigenous People to Grab Land and Pond: Many of Them Assaulted” at Dulahar village in Nachole upazila under Chapai Nababgong district was published on the daily “Prothom Alo” as well as other most of the Bengali and English daily news paper in Bangladesh on 23 June 2009. The news came to knowledge at the concern authority of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and a fact-finding investigation mission has been conducted by a team of Bangladesh BIHR & NHRD comprising Md. Ehshanul Haque and Md. Abu Musha Ashowary from June 29 to 30, 2009. The information that has been collected by the mission is given bellow:

URGENT APPEAL: Bangladesh: Indigenous (tribal) girl raped and murdered in CHT [UA-BA-09.2009]

The Hague, 9 July 2009 

 URGENT APPEAL [UA-BA-09.2009] BANGLADESH: Indigenous (tribal) girl raped and murdered in CHT. ------------------------------------------------------ 

 ISSUES: Rape, killing, protection of minorities and women. ------------------------------------------------------ 

 Dear friends, 

 Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) has received a fact-finding report from Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) who investigated the brutal rape and killing of a young indigenous girl by a Bengali guard in the Bandarban District, Bangladesh. Maching Khai Marma (18) was raped then killed with a brick at around 5.30.pm on May 8, 2009. A 13-year old boy witnessed the incident from a nearby forest. FACT DETAILS: Name of the Victim :Maching Khai Marma (18) Adress of the Victim :Vill: Remong Member Para, 305, Gojalia Village, Union: Gojalia, Police Station: lam, District: Bandarban.. Name& Address of the perpetrator: withheld Date of the Incident: : 08 May 2009, at around 5.30 PM Place of Incident : Rejected brick field of Najmul Islam, Vill: Atmile Muslim Para, 305, Gojalia, Police Station: Lama, District: Bandarban. Case file : Lama Police Station Case Number: 03/45 Date of Case : 09 May, 2009 around at 11.30 PM Under Section : 302 of Penal Code 

FCAT FINDING REPORT: AN INDIGENOUS (TRIBAL) GIRL HAS BEEN MURDER AFTER RAPAE BY A BANGALI LETCHER.

The news headed “A marma girl murdered after rape: Demand exemplary punishment” was published the daily prothom alo as well as other most of the Bengali and English dailies on 13 may 2009. The news came to knowledge at the concern authority of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and a fact-finding mission has been conducted by a team of Bangladesh BIHR & BCHRD comprising Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Programme Manager of Legal & Human Rights affairs and Shohel Ahmed from May 24 to 29,2009. 

URGENT APPEAL: A young tribal man torture to death by military forces at Shuvalong under Rangamati district in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME

URGENT APPEAL CASE: BIHR-IUA-29-06-2009

BANGLADESH: A young tribal man torture to death by military forces at Shuvalong under Rangamati district in Bangladesh.

========================================

DATE: June 30, 2009

ISSUES: Arbitrary arrest; torture, extrajudicial killing and impunity

=========================================

Dear Friends

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a report from its reliable network organization regarding a tribal Youngman torture to death at Shuvalong under Rangamati district in Bangladesh by military forces. Though the victim family demanded to make a credible investigation to bring the allege perpetrators before justice, yet no proper action has been taken by the concern authority.

URGENT APPEAL: BANGLADESH: A young tribal man torture to death by military forces at Shuvalong under Rangamati district in Bangladesh.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME

URGENT APPEAL CASE: BIHR-IUA-29-06-2009

 BANGLADESH: A young tribal man torture to death by military forces at Shuvalong under Rangamati district in Bangladesh. ======================================== 

 DATE: June 29, 2009 ISSUES: Arbitrary arrest; torture, extrajudicial killing and impunity ========================================= 

 Dear Friends 

 Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact finding report from its reliable network organization regarding a tribal Youngman torture to death at Shuvalong under Rangamati district in Bangladesh by military forces. Though the victim family demanded to make a credible investigation to bring the allege perpetrators before justice, yet no proper action has been taken by the concern authority. 

NEWS: BIHR along with BRCT Celebrate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) along with Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), Human Rights Development Centre-HRDC in cooperation with European commission celebrate the International Day in Support of Victims of Torture by organize a view exchange meeting on “Together against Torture & Organized Violence on Indigenous / Tribal People” from 12.00pm -2.00 pm on June 26, 2009 at Reporters Unity Conference Room, Sagun Bagicha, Dhaka.

URGENT APPEAL: BANGLADESH: Ensure the protection of human rights defender: Shahanur Islam Saikot.

25 June 2009 

 The Hague 

 URGENT APPEAL: [UPDATE] BANGLADESH: Ensure the protection of human rights defender: Shahanur Islam Saikot. [UA-BA-2009-06-26] ------------------------------------------------------ 

 ISSUES: Threats, death threats to human rights defenders; impunity ------------------------------------------------------ 

 BANGLADESH: Ensure the protection of human rights defender: Shahanur Islam Saikot. Dear Friends, Global Human Rights Defence (GHRD) has received updated information regarding the continuous serious threats to Shahanur Islam, a human rights defender and lawyer in Bangladesh. The latest incident of intimidation occurred on 15-16 June 2009. Mr. Islam received a threatening phone call thrice within an hour, on 15 June; and at 12:00am on 16 June respectively. The caller used foul language, which carried the message of sexual harassment towards Mr. Islam’s female members of his family. He also threatened Mr. Islam that he could ‘attack him at any time’. Despite Mr. Islam’s efforts, there has still been no action taken by the police authorities. Also, the concerned police stations are trying to discourage him to file charges.

URGENT APPEAL: Communication with United Nation by GHRD Regarding to Intimidation of Mr. Shahanur

Case number: 008-GHRD-HRCFBD-009-14-islam

Country: Bangladesh

Last name: Islam

First name: Shahanur

Type of Violation: Violation to personal integrity.

Act(s): Threats, death threats to human rights defender.

Submitted to: United Nations Special Procedures Division – Human Rights Defenders

Date of Submission to the UNSP: 1st version, 02.06.2009

Updated version: 25.06.2009

GHRD Contact: Jenny Lundström

1. Identity of the victim:

Name: Shahanur Islam Saikot

Position: Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development, Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research, Programme Officer of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims, as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District.

NEWS: BIHR and BRCT is jointly going to observe the UN day of support to victim of torture.

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) is jointly going to organize a view exchange meeting on “Together against Torture & organized Violence on Indigenous/Tribal People” from 12.00pm -2.00 pm on June 26, 2009 as the part of difference programme on the occasion of observance of United Nation Day of Support to the Torture Victim. In the meeting Sanjeeb Drong, General Secretary of Bangladesh Indigenous People Forum has kindly given consent to present the event as chief guest. Rang Lai Mro, a human rights activist and tribal leader has also given consent to present the event as special guest. Dr. AK Khalilur Rahman will preside the vent and Adv. Shahanur Islam will moderate the meeting.

URGENT APPEAL: Urge to Investigate Case of Intimidations to Human Rights Defenders and Provide Protection Immediately

Mr. Nur Mohammad Inspector General of Police Bangladesh Police Police Headquarters' Fulbaria, Dhaka-1000 BANGLADESH 

 23 June 2009 

 Dear Mr. Nur Mohammad, 

  Urge to Investigate Case of Intimidations to Human Rights Defenders and Provide Protection Immediately 

 The Asian Center for the Progress of Peoples (ACPP), a regional human rights organization based in Hong Kong, has been informed by an organization in Bangladesh that Mr. Shahanur Islam is under threat again. We are writing to express our concern over the personal security of Mr. Islam. Mr. Shahanur Islam, Program Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and affiliated with other human rights organizations, has been threatened by phone calls over the years. The latest incident of intimidation occurred on 15-16 June. According to information received, Mr. Islam received a phone call from 01713702555 and 01715122888 thrice within an hour, at 11:57pm and 11:58pm on 15 June; and at 12:00am on 16 June respectively.

FACT FINDING REPORT:Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam Once Again Received Threat

Date: June 18, 2009

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-05-09

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact finding report conducted by the fact finding team of BIHR from June 16 to 17, 2009 regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities.

COMMUNICATION: United Nations Special Procedures Division – Human Rights Defenders

GLOBAL HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENCE-GHRD Case number: BA-HRD-02.06.2009 

  Country: Bangladesh 

  Last name: Islam 

  First name: Shahanur 

  Type of Violation: 

 Submitted to: United Nations Special Procedures Division – Human Rights Defenders 

 Date of Submission to the UN: 16 May 2008 

  GHRD Contact: Jenny Lundström, Roger Lloret Blackburn 

  1. Identity of the victim: Name: Shahanur Islam Saikot 

  Position: Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development, Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research, Programme Officer of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims, as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District. 

  Citizenship: Bangladeshi 

  Work address: Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights, 27 Bijoy Nagar Dhaka-1000 Bangladesh 

  2. Date and place of event: Date: 28 April at about 3 p.m. 

  Location: In front of court chief judicial magistrate court ground in Shariyatpur District. 

  3. Alleged perpetrator(s): Mr. Anis, Member of the Rapid Action Battalion in Madaripur, and other unidentified group of around 7 members of the Rapid Action Battalion. 

  4. Case Documents: Document: Date: N/A 

FACT FINDING REPORT: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam in Bangladesh Again Received Threat

Date: May 28, 2009

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-04-09

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact finding report conducted by the fact finding team of BIHR from May 25-27, 2009 regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research (CHFR), Programme Officer of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka district by the member of RAB-8, during filing case against the RAB personnel on charging murder by torturing during emergency period with the Chief Judicial magistrate Court in Shariyatpur district. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities.

REPORT: Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam Once Again Received Threat from RAB-8 During Filing Case Against the RAB Men in Bangladesh.

Human Rights Defender & Lawyer Mr. Shahanur Islam Once Again Received Threat from RAB-8 During Filing Case Against the RAB Personnel in Bangladesh. Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a report reliable source regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research (CHFR), Programme Officer of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka district by the member of RAB-8, during filing case against the RAB personnel on charging murder by torturing during emergency period with the Chief Judicial magistrate Court in Shariyatpur district. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. 

NEWS: A Case, Charging on Murder by Torturing was Filed against 16 Men including 7 Members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)

A petition case was filed against 16 men including 7 members of Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-08, Madaripur Zone, charging on murder by torturing during the time of emergency under section 302, 109, 34 and 506 of Penal Code with the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Shariyapur district by one Ret’d Army Men Mr. Abdur Rahman Khan, father of the dead person (victim) Mr. Afjal Hossin today on May 25, 2009 with the help of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR), under its legal and humanitarian activities to promote and protect human rights with the vision of making a torture and extra judicial execution free Bangladesh. One of the accused is an Assistant Superintend of Police (ASP) level official of RAB.

PRESS RELEASE:Press Release A case charging on murder by torturing during emergency period is going to be file against seven members of elite force

A case charging on murder by torturing during emergency period is going to be file against seven members of elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), including an Assistant Superintend of Police (ASP) with the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court, Shariyatpur on May 25, 2009. 

 A petition case is going to be file against the seven members of elite force Rapid Action Battalion (RAB)-8, Madaripur, including an Assistant Superintend of Police (ASP) charging on murder by torturing during the time of emergency under section 302, 109, 34 and 506 of Penal Code with the Chief Judicial Magistrate Court in Shariyapur district by one Ret’d Army Men Mr. Abdur Rahman Khan, father of the dead person (victim) Mr. Afjal Hossin on May 25, 2009 with the help of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR), under its legal and humanitarian activities to promote and protect human rights with the vision of making a torture and extra judicial execution free Bangladesh.

URGENT APPEAL (UPDATE): Bangladesh : Ensure the security of human rights defender; investigate cases and bring the culprits before justice

The Hague, 18 May 2009

  URGENT APPEAL (UPDATE): Bangladesh : Ensure the security of human rights defender; investigate cases and bring the culprits before justice [UA-BA-2009.18.05] 

 ISSUE: Human Rights Defender; Threats and Intimidation 

  Dear Friends, GHRD (Global Human Rights Defence) has received updated information from the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) with regards to Shahanur Islam, a human rights defender who has been continuously intimidated and threatened. According to the information received, still no action has been taken by the police authorities. GHRD encourages you to read the past appeal at http://www.ghrd.org/Pagina.asp?ID=3420 GHRD urges your intervention by asking concerned authorities to ensure the protection of his life as well as conducting an impartial and credible investigation to bring the culprit before justice. 

URGENT APPEAL:Ensure the security of human rights defender; investigate cases of intimidations and bring the culprits before the justice.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF HUAMAN RIGHTS URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME 

 URGENT APPEAL CASE: BIHR UA-2009-05-01 

 ISSUE: Human rights Defender; Threats and Intimidation ========================================== 

 DATE: May 18, 2009 BANGLADESH: Ensure the security of human rights defender; investigate cases of intimidations and bring the culprits before the justice. ==========================================

 Dear Friends, 

 Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact-finding report conducted by the high level team of BIHR regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research (CHFR), Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District by the Filed Officer of (Sub Inspector Level Official) of Directorate General Forces of Intelligence (DGFI), while he was waiting for speaking with Media men after filing a petition case on charging attempt to murder by torturing with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (CMM) Dhaka against three men including a Major of Army. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. BIHR urges your intervention asking concerned authority to ensure the protection of his life as well as conduct impartial and credible investigation to bring the culprit before the justice. 

FACT FING REPORT:A Prominent Human Rights Defender in Bangladesh Has Been Intimidated by the Directorate General Forces of Intelligence (DGFI) Officer

FACT FINDING REPORT: BIHR-2009-05-01

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been conducted a fact finding mission by its high level team regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research (CHFR), Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District by the Filed Officer of (Sub Inspector Level Official) of Directorate General Forces of Intelligence (DGFI), while he was waiting for speaking with Media men after filing a petition case on charging attempt to murder by torturing with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (CMM) Dhaka against three men including a Major of Army. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. BIHR urges your intervention asking concerned authority to ensure his life as well as conduct impartial and credible investigation to bring the culprit before the justice. The information received regarding the case are following: 

NEWS: BRCT & BIHR PARTICIPATES THE INTERNATIONAL SEMINAR ON HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING AND TOOLS FOR EFFECTIVE ACTION AT MUMBAI, INDIA.

Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) along with Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) participate the international seminar on human rights reporting and tools for effective action which was included interactive training session on human rights documentation, monitoring, media, lobbying, campaign & project management including HURIDOCs tool for human rights documentation, practical tools and mechanism to communicate human rights, using media as a tools to lobby human rights violation, writing a project proposal and financial reporting. The seminar was held on April 29 to May 01, 2009, at Rambhu Mhalgi Provodhini Knowledge- Excellent Centre, Uttan, Bhayander (Mumbai), Maharashtra, India. I

CASE STUDY : Police Brutality on Mr. Abdur Razzak By the Policemen

Shahanur Islam Saikot* 

Introduction: Abdur Razzaque fell victim of police torture for his alleged involvement in a stealing, which he denied. Razzaque wanted to bring the perpetrator of torture under book but did not get any assistance from lawyers. But he got assistance from the BIHR to bring the perpetrator of torture under law. 

CASE STUDY:Police Brutality on Mr. Aminul Islam Shahin

Shahanur Islam Saikot*

Introduction: Mr. Aminul Ism Shahin, amerororias student of Cumpure science of Queens University of Dhaka and Organizing secretary of Bangladesh Student League (student wing of Bangladesh Awami League) of Barishal Upazila unit was brutally tortured by the policemen influencing by some of his rival due to protest the unholy love affairs of his uncle. He was taken physical and psychological treatment from BRCT and also legal assistance from BIHR to file case against the perpetrators.

FACT FINDING REPORT: A Prominent Human Rights Defender in Bangladesh Has Been Intimidated by DGFI Field Officer.

Date: April 16, 2009 

 Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-03-09

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been conducted a fact finding mission by its high level team from April 13 to 15, 2009 regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Coordinator of Centre for Human Rights Fact Finding & Research (CHFR), Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District by the Filed Officer of (Sub Inspector Level Official) of Directorate General Forces of Intelligence (DGFI), while he was waiting for speaking with Media men after filing a petition case on charging attempt to murder by torturing with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court (CMM) Dhaka against three men including a Major of Army. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. 

NEWS: A Businessman in Dhaka Sues against Joint Forces Man with the Legal Help of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR)

A businessman, who was brutally tortured by the joint forces during the period of caretaker government, filed a case against Mejor Sarwar, who was under duty of 17, East Bengle Regiment, Dhaka and other two civilians his cousin Saiful Islam and the latter’s associate Abdus Samad, on charge of attempt to murder by torturing him during the emergency regime with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Court, Dhaka under section 323, 324, 325, 326, 307, 506, 109 and 34 on April 13, 2009 with the legal help the human rights organization “Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR)”. Md. Samsuddin Ahmed, proprietor of M/S Samsuddin Overseas in his complaint stated that, on July 26 2007, around at 1.30 p.m. a team comprising six members of army led by Maj. Sarwar who was on plain clothes along with Abdus samad and Saiful went to his office, 64/4, Naya Paltan, Dhaka and beat him mercilessly while he was doing his regular business job. Then, he was picked up and took him to the temporary camp of joint forces at Paltan Community Centre and again he was brutally tortured there by kicking with boot, slapping, beating with iron road, baton without any reason.

"Death threats against Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot

23.03.2009 - Source:World Organisation Against Torture "Death threats against Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot [BGD 001 / 0309 / OBS 051]" Human rights activist Shahanur Islam Saikot receives death threats [ID 117294] Document(s): Open document

NEWS: Torture During Emergency: Army officer, 2 others sued

The Daily Star: Tuesday, April 14, 2009 

Torture During Emergency: Army officer, 2 others sued 

Court Correspondent 

 An attempted murder case was filed yesterday against an army major and two others with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's (CMM) Court of Dhaka. Mohammad Shamsuddin Ahmed, proprietor of M/S Shahmsuddin Overseas, filed the case against the three on charges of attempting to murder him in their custody during the state of emergency in 2007. This is the first time a case has been filed against an army officer for torturing in custody. After the hearing, Metropolitan Magistrate Kanika Biswas recorded the statement of complainant, took it into cognisance and did not pass any order on the issue. The accused in the case are Major Sarwar and two civilians Abdus Samad and Md Saiful Islam. In his complaint, Shamsuddin mentioned that Maj Sarwar, Samad and Saiful picked him up from his Nayapaltan office on July 26 in 2007 and took him to the temporary army camp at Paltan Community Centre where they tortured him mercilessly without any reason. The plaintiff alleged that he lost his sense after the torture and was shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for treatment as his condition was deteriorating. Later, he was shown arrested in a criminal case filed with Paltan Police Station on July 26, 2007 even though his name was not in the first information report (FIR). He was released on bail on August 6, 2007. Moreover, the investigation officer submitted a final report saying that the charges brought against him (plaintiff) were not proved, complainant said. Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Programme manager of Legal & Human Rights affairs at Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights moved the case on behalf of the complainant.

NEWS:Businessman sues army major for torture during emergency

The Daily Janakontha, Date: April 14, 2009

NEWS:Businessman sues army major for torture during emergency

The Daily Karatoa, Date: April 14, 2009

NEWS:Businessman sues army major for torture during emergency

Amader Shomoy, Date: April 14, 2009

NEWS: Businessman sues joint forces men over 'torture'

Businessman sues joint forces men over 'torture' 

The Independent, Date: April 14, 2009

 A businessman, who said he was tortured by the joint forces during the caretaker government's rule, filed a case yesterday against Major Sarwar and two others. Md Shamsuddin Ahmed filed the case with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court at around 10:30am. According to case details, on July 26, 2007 Maj Sarwar along with six to seven other members of the joint forces in plainclothes went to Shamsuddin's Naya Paltan office and beat him up. He said they took him to a joint force's makeshift camp at Paltan Community Centre and further tortured him there. Shamsuddin was first admitted to Rajarbagh Police Line Hospital. As his condition worsened he was later taken to Dhaka Medical College Hospital. The case was not filed that time due to the state of emergency, Shamsuddin said. Human-rights organisation Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights's lawyer Shahnur Islam Saikot assisted the plaintiff in filing the case.

NEWS: Businessman sues joint forces men over 'torture'

Businessman sues joint forces men over 'torture'

bdnews24.com: Mon, Apr 13th, 2009 1:10 pm BdST

Dhaka, Apr 13 (bdnews24.com) – A businessman, who said he was tortured by the joint forces during the caretaker government's rule, filed a case Monday against Major Sarwar and two others.

Md Shamsuddin Ahmed filed the case with the Chief Metropolitan Magistrate's Court at around 10:30am.

According to case details, on July 26, 2007 Maj Sarwar along with six to seven other members of the joint forces in plainclothes went to Shamsuddin's Naya Paltan office and beat him.

NEWS:Businessman sues army major for torture during emergency

Businessman sues army major for torture during emergency

New Age; Date: April 15, 2009

Staff Correspondent A manpower trader on Monday sued major Sarwar, an army officer, his cousin Saiful Islam and the latter’s associate Abdus Samad, on charge of torturing him during the emergency regime. The businessman, Shamsuddin Ahmed, filed the case with Dhaka chief metropolitan magistrate’s court. Shamsuddin in his complaint stated that a team of joint forces in plainclothes and led by major Sarwar, along with Saiful and Samad, had raided his Naya Paltan office on July 26, 2007 and beaten him up mercilessly. They took him to a makeshift camp of the joint forces at the Paltan Community Centre and tortured him again there. ‘As I fainted because of the torture, I was first admitted to the Rajarbagh Police Line Hospital and shifted to Dhaka Medical College Hospital when my condition deteriorated,’ Shamsuddin told the magistrate. The joint forces later handed Shamsuddin over to the Paltan Police to show him arrested in a fraud case filed with the police station by Saiful on July 26, 2007. Shamsuddin was released on bail on August 6, 2007. On February 2, 2008, Shamsuddin was acquitted by metropolitan magistrate Golam Rabbani of the fraud charges after investigation officer Ikramul Haque, sub-inspector of the Paltan police station, had submitted the final report in the case, Shamsuddin said. Explaining the delay in filing the case, Shamsuddin told the court, ‘I could not file the case against the army officer when a state of emergency was in force fearing more torture.’

Human Rights lawyer Shahnur Islam Saikot, on behalf of the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR), appeared for Shamsuddin.

CASE STUDY:Police Brutality on Mr. Abu Abbas Bhuiyan

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot* 

Introduction: Abu Abbas Bhuiyan, student of Dhaka university and also Secretary of Mass Education affairs in Central Committe of Bangladesh student league was victimized in torture by the police official directing by the ruling party (then state minister for home affairs) due to his activities as a central leader of Bangladesh Student League as well as implicated false and fabricate cases. Discharging from the allegation that was bring up against him as well as got cure, he was filed case against the policeme /Perpetrators in Chief Metropalitan Magistrate Court, Dhaka that No. P- 1185 of 2008 on 05 March 2008 under section of 323/324/325/326/306506/109/34 of the Penal Code with the assistance of Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR). 

URGENT APPEAL: Doodsbedreigingen aan dhr. Shahanur Islam Saikot

1 april 2009

Doodsbedreigingen aan dhr. Shahanur Islam Saikot

Urgente Acties ACAT NETHERLANDS

Action of Christians for the Abolition of Torture and Capital Punishment.

Mr. Sheikh Hasina

Prime Minister

Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh

Office of the Prime Minister

Tejgaon

DHAKA

BANGLADESH

… - 04 – 09. Dear Prime Minister,

As a member of ACAT Netherlands I am very concerned about threats received by Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District.

I urgently ask you:

URGENT APPEAL: Seeking Information under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act.

Court Fee Stamp Rs. 10/- To 30 March 2009 The Public Information Officer High Court at Calcutta Kolkata Attn. The Registrar, Calcutta High Court Ref.:-Seeking Information under Section 6 of the Right to Information Act. Respectable Sir, We have gathered information that number prisoners including foreign nationals booked under the Foreigners Act have been perishing in different jails/ correctional homes in West Bengal for years. We came to know that many of them either had been acquitted by the concerned trial court or spent their period of conviction but still they are under detention. Those persons are under detention in custody illegally as Jan Khalas and there is no bona fide approach from any corner towards the release and/or repatriation of those persons till date. A detention becomes unlawful where there is no law to justify it but also where procedure prescribed by law which authorizes the detention has not been followed.

URGENT APPEAL - THE OBSERVATORY:for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

THE OBSERVATORY: for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders

URGENT APPEAL - THE OBSERVATORY BGD 001 / 0309 / OBS 051 

Death threats Bangladesh March 23, 2009 

The Observatory for the Protection of Human Rights Defenders, a joint programme of the World Organization against Torture (OMCT) and the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH), requests your urgent intervention in the following situation in Bangladesh. 

Description of the situation: The Observatory has been informed by reliable sources, including ODHIKAR, of threats received by Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Secretary General and Executive Director of the Bangladesh Centre for Human Rights and Development (BCHRD), Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT), as well as a member of the Bangladesh Bar Council and Bar Association in Dhaka District.

URGENT APPEAL: Immediately Ensure the Security of Human Rights Defender; Investigate Cases of Intimidations and Bring the Culprits before the justice.

BANGLADESH INSTITUTE OF HUMAN RIGHTS: URGENT APPEAL PROGRAMME 

URGENT APPEAL CASE: BIHR-IUA-02-03-2009 

DATE: March 22, 2009 ====================================== 

BANGLADESH: Immediately Ensure the Security of Human Rights Defender; Investigate Cases of Intimidations and Bring the Culprits before the justice. ======================================= 

Dear Friends, Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact-finding report conducted by the high level fact-finding team of BIHR regarding to a prominent human rights defender and lawyer in Bangladesh once again received his life threats. He filed General Diary (G.D.) to the concerned police station but no appropriate action has been taken yet even no investigation has been conducted. BIHR urges your immediate intervention to immediately ensure his security as well as investigate this alleged incident credibly and bring the alleged culprits before the justice in accordance with the law. 

FACT FINDING REPORT: A Prominent Human Rights Defender in Bangladesh Once Again Received His Life Threat

Date: March 19, 2009

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-02-09

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) has received a fact finding report conducted by a fact-finding team of BIHR from March 18 to 19, 2009 regarding serious threats to Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) as well as Member of Bangladesh Bar Council and Dhaka Bar Association by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities.