During last few couple of years the political culture of harassing opposite party leader and workers by filling criminal cases against them have emerged largely

“During last few couple of years the political culture of harassing opposite party leader and workers by filling criminal cases against them have emerged largely. No matter which political party is ruling, the practice continues to be the same.” In your opinion, what may be the possible solution of to this problem? Explain & Illustrate.

Introduction:

”Bangladeshi people living at home and abroad are deeply concerned about the socio-economic and political situation of Bangladesh. People ranging from politically conscious individuals to common masses have become worried as apprehensions were expressed about the two prime leaders of the country’s political arena.”1 Because of, these two women leaders are controlling the country’s politics. Everything in the country is dependent on the two leaders. And as a result, the fears about the two leaders have crated unease and anxiety among different quarters. In these recent years, we are seeing a rising trend of political oppression against opposition party members & workers. No matter which party is in the power they always try to suppress the opposition party.

Current situation in Today’s politics:

“Bangladesh’s political instability stems from a number of issues, including widespread corruption, weak government institutions, illegal migration to, and from, the country, radical Islamic terrorism, and an increase in obscurantist religious influence. The forces concerned have successfully exploited the political vacuum; the Awami League (AL) -Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rivalry has allowed opening this. As a result of the actions of both government and opposition, the country’s parliament has gone through lengthy periods of complete dysfunction, including through boycott by the opposition. Personal enmity between political leaders, corruption, criminality and organized violence that are taking place in a context of consistent human rights violations, have corroded Bangladesh’s political culture.’”

There is no denying the fact that the biggest threat facing Bangladesh is violence and instability. Political mistrust and the threat of political confrontation are its real concerns and they run deep. Political conflict in Bangladesh has led to corruption, poverty and severe problems in its educational system. The country is, thus, now facing increasing instability

But the situation is not irredeemable. Political stability is elusive in many countries and is especially difficult to achieve in the ones like Bangladesh where there is an absence of long-term attachment to peace, in the society at large. Loyalty to particularly political entities and political theorists has long fascinated the people, causing the problems of political in stability.

Different government time in Bangladesh:

The leader who rule the party during this time periods are given below;

1. Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, 1972-75

2. Ziaur Rahman, 1975-81

3. Army Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. H.M. Ershad, 1982-90

4. Khaleda Zia, 1991-96

5. Sheikh Hasina, 1996-2001

6. Khaleda Zia , 2001-2006

7. Caretaker Government , 2007-2009

8. Sheikh Hasina , 2009- Present

Some recent incident of police violence against political leader age given below;

1. By December 26, the Government had arrested some 958 cadres and leaders of the ICS and the JeI in 2010, as compared to just 23 in 2009.3

2. On June 4, according to Odhikar, Kahalu police in Bogra arrested and tortured the president of the student wing of the BNP, Morshed Habib Bhuiyan Jewel, in Netrokona district. Jewel alleged that several times while in custody at the Netrokona Model Police Station three to four police officers blindfolded him, suspended him from the ceiling with handcuffs, and beat him with sticks from the waist down.

3. BNP has a record of murdering more than 45 opposition activists on the street of Capital Dhaka by wooden rods during its political violence in early 2006.

4. Many High profile people are killed during BNP time like Ahsanullah Master killing, & killing of Shah A S M Kibria are some of the prime political killing.

5. On June 2, 2010, agents of the Tejgaon police station entered the Amar Desh offices, arrested Mr. Mahmudur Rahman, Amar Desh Acting Editor, and charged him under Sections 419, 420 and 500 of the Code of Criminal Procedure for “cheating by impersonation”, “dishonestly inducing delivery of property” and “defamation”. The Tejgaon police station also filed a case against Mr. Rahman as well as against Amar.

6. In 2004 ,Granade Attack on Sheikh Hasina

are some of the prime example of opposition party harassment incident. 4

7. During the year, under a new chairman, the ACC filed a money laundering case against Koko Rahman, the son of BNP leader Khaleda Zia. A separate money laundering case was also filed against Koko Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s other son, Tarique Rahman. In 2008 the ACC and the public prosecutor prosecuted a total of 228 cases against high-ranking political officials, ranging from extortion and money laundering to murder.

8. Raid on BNP Leader Mirza Abbas’s House. Amnesty International has reported on the events of 27 June 2010, when during a daylong political strike, police stormed the house of leading BNP politician, former Minister and former Mayor of Dhaka city, Mr Mirza Abbas, and physically attacked his family members including his wife and 85 year old mother

9. In 9 October 2010, Awami League cadres killed BNP leader Sub-District Chairman Sanaullah Nur Babu in Natore District who is an elected representative.

10. Forceful Eviction of the Opposition Party Leader Khaleda Zia from Leased Home at Shahid Mainul Road, Dhaka Cantonment, dated 14 November 2010.

11. According to press reports, on October 8 2010, AL and Chhatra League activists attacked a Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) rally in the Baraigram upazilla in the district of Natore, killing Upazilla Chairman, Sanaullah Noor Babu, and injuring several journalists. The case continued at of year’s end.

12. There were no further developments on the case of Manju Morshed Shipu, the BNP activist killed in Mohammadpur in June 14, 2009, by year’s end.

13. There were no developments in the June 2009 torture case of BNP student leader Morshed Habib Bhuiyan Jewel by Kahalu police in Bogra. Jewel alleged that several times while in custody at the Netrokona Model police station three to four police officers blindfolded him, suspended him from the ceiling with handcuffs, beat him with sticks from the waist down, and poured hot water into his nose and mouth.

14. According to the Daily Star, on February 2, activists from the Chhatra League attacked a procession of the BNP’s female student wing on the Dhaka University campus. According to the report, police at the scene were able to disperse the groups, but officials made no arrests.

15.

Some provision of Law:

The constitution prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention; however, the law permits authorities to arrest and detain persons suspected of criminal activity without an order from a magistrate or a warrant.

Arrest Procedures and Treatment While in Detention

The law provides for arrest without the use of warrants in certain cases. Section 54 of the Criminal Procedure Code and Section 100 of the Dhaka Metropolitan Police Ordinance authorize detention of persons on suspicion of criminal activity without an order from a magistrate or a warrant, and the government regularly used such provisions. The number of preventive and arbitrary arrests declined from the previous year when the state of emergency was in effect.

Unlike in previous years under the caretaker government, the new government did not carry out mass arrests. ASK, a domestic human rights organization, and media outlets estimated that authorities made more than 2,000 routine arrests daily. The majority of those arrested were released within one or two days, often on payment of a bribe.

Under the existing Special Powers Act, the government or a district magistrate may order a person detained for 30 days to prevent the commission of an act that could threaten national security; however, authorities held detainees for longer periods. The magistrate must inform the detainee of the grounds of detention, and an advisory board is required to examine the detainee’s case after four months. Detainees had the right to appeal. Many detainees taken into custody during the caretaker government’s anticorruption drive were held under this act, and the government sought and received numerous detention extensions from advisory boards consisting of two judges and a government official. Use of the provisions of the Special Powers Act declined during the year.

Role of the Police and Security Apparatus:

Police are organized nationally under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MOHA) and have a mandate to maintain internal security and law and order. Under recent governments, police generally were ineffective and reluctant to investigate persons affiliated with the ruling party.

Under the existing Special Powers Act, the government or a district magistrate may order a person detained for 30 days to prevent the commission of an act that could threaten national security; however, authorities held detainees for longer periods. The magistrate must inform the detainee of the grounds of detention, and an advisory board is required to examine the detainee’s case after four month.

Recommendations:

To find some possible solution for this problem we should first change our mentality, that’s is the one of the major change we should do to correct our self. We should not harass the opposition party, we should bring harmony and make end to the conflicting , and dangerous situation . In Today’s world there is no denying the fact that the biggest threat facing Bangladesh is violence and instability. Political mistrust and the threat of political confrontation are its real concerns and they run deep. Political conflict in Bangladesh has led to corruption, poverty and severe problems in its educational system. The country is, thus, now facing increasing instability.

But the situation is not irredeemable. Political stability is elusive in many countries and is especially difficult to achieve in the ones like Bangladesh where there is an absence of long-term attachment to peace, in the society at large. Loyalty to particularly political entities and political theorists have long fascinated the people, causing the problems of political in stability.

Some recommendations are given below;

1. Send fact finding missions to Bangladesh to investigate Human Right violations.

2. Stop extra judicial killings by crossfire and hold the perpetrators liable by international criminal court

3. Stop all sorts of torture and harassment on opposition leaders and activists.

4. Stop mass arrest and reprisals on opposition supporters.

5. Stop torture on remand and unnatural death in custody.

6. Stop suppression on media.

7. The opposition parties should not be prevented from exercising democratic right to hold political gatherings.

8. The arrested activists of BJI in the conspicuously groundless cases must be set free. The malicious cases filed by police for harassing the Jamaat activists should be withdrawn.

9. Departmental proceedings have to be brought against the police members who have been involved with unlawful attack, torture and assault on innocent citizens.

10. The administration should stop using the police force as a weapon to oppress the differing voices. The government must ensure that the police perform its duty within the limits set by law.

11. The civil society and media must raise the issue of continued illegal attacks conducted by police under the protection of the administration to various forums. Human rights organizations must address the incidents of torture committed by the members of law enforcing agencies.

12. International community must consider while making any decision about their relation with Bangladesh the issues of human rights violation and torture by the police force. The issue of unjustified violence by police must be addressed seriously. Donor agencies should ensure that no person is tortured or humiliated due to his involvement with any political or other organization.

Conclusion:

The whole society is divided along political lines. Selfishness, flattery and keeping the powerful people happy have become the norms of the society. This is increasing conflict. Businesses centering admission, recruitment and tender process, dependence on cadre personnel and group politics that started earlier, continue now unabated. No valuable time should any more be wasted on stale stories. History is the ultimate judge of all events that will eventually take their own course. No one can distort and alter the facts. So we should come forward change our intention and put end to the problems. They political parties can end the political conflicting culture by creating a mutual stability and trust among themselves.

Bibliography

1.Ain O Shalish Kendra (ASK) (2005), RAB: Elimination of Terrorism or State Sponsored Terrorism, (Dhaka).

2. BDPC Position Paper on UN Program of Action on Small Arms, BILIA-BDPC Seminar in Dhaka,4 January 2006.

3. Burma Lawyers’Council, THE ARMS ACT [INDIA ACT XI, 1878], http://www.blc burma.org/html/Burma%20Code/lr_e_bc02_18.html, last accessed 12 July 2006

4. Burma Lawyers’Council, THE EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES ACT [INDIA ACT VI, 1908],

5. Retrived From :http://www.blc-burma.org/html/Burma%20Code/lr_e_bc02_21.html.

6. Chowdhury, Dr. Iftekhar Ahmed, Bangladesh, 9 January 2006, http://www.un.org/events/smallarms2006/ pdf/Bangladesh.pdf.

7. Department of Explosives, The [1***] Explosives Act, 1884,

<href=”#THE%20[1*%20*%20*]%20EXPLOSIVES%20″>http://dipp.nic.in/explosive/explmain.htm#THE%20[1*%20*%20*]%20EXPLOSIVES%20 ACT,%201884.

8. Hindu Human Rights, Persecution of Hindus in Bangladesh: Rape and Dishonour, http://www.hinduhumanrights.org/Bangladesh/rapendishonour.htm.

9. Human Rights Watch, HIV/AIDS in Bangladesh,

http://www.hrw.org/reports/2003/bangladesh0803/5.htm#_ftnref53.

10.Hussain,Neila, (2000),‘Problems of Proliferation of Small Arms in Bangladesh’, South Asia at Gunpoint: Small Arms and Light Weapons Proliferation, (Regional Centre for Strategic Studies: Colombo).

11.Hussain,Neila,Armed and Dangerous: Small Arms and Explosive Trafficking in Bangladesh, http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/sair/Archives/1_13.htm#assessment3, last accessed 25 May 2006.

12.International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA),‘South and Central Asia’, Regions, http://www.iansa.org/regions/scasia/scasia.htm.

13.International Action Network on Small Arms (IANSA),‘1000 killed every day’, 2006: Bringing the global gun crisis under control, http://www.iansa.org/campaigns_events/gun-control- 2006.htm. Last accessed 20 October 2006

14.Kafi, Sharif A., (2005), Illegal Small Arms and Human Insecurity in Bangladesh,(Bangladesh Development Partnership Centre: Dhaka).

15. Rahman, Zulfiqur Md., Bangladesh, 27 June 2006,

http://www.un.org/events/smallarms2006/pdf/arms060627bangl-eng.pdf.

16. Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), Legal Matters, http://www.rabbd.com/legalmat.html.

17. Small Arms Survey (2002),Counting the Human Cost, (Oxford University Press: Oxford)

18. South Asia Partnership-Bangladesh (2004), Illegal Use and Trade of Small Arms and Light Weapons:

19. An Assessment of the Situation in Bangladesh (South Asia Partnership: Dhaka).

20. United Nations (2001), Report of the United Nations Conference on the Illicit Trade in Small Arms and Light Weapons in All its Aspects, http://disarmament2.un.org/cab/smallarms/files/aconf192_15.pdf.

Newspaper

1.‘40mugging groups active in Dhaka’, Prothom Alo, 12 May 2006.

2.‘55 lakh taka was paid to free 3 foreigners in Rangamati’, Prothom Alo, 11 May 2006.

3.‘459 blasts in 63 districts in 30 minutes: 2 killed; 100 hurt; all explosives were time bombs; Jama’atul

4.Mujahideen leaflets found’, The Daily Star,May 18 2006.

5.‘BTRC chief ’s election campaigning with a criminal of 17 cases’, Prothom Alo, 11May 2006.

6.‘Businessman and driver shot dead at Purana Paltan lane’, Prothom Alo,May 28, 2006.

7.‘Clashes, Police Firing in Sylhet: SUST, private medical college closed sine die’, The Daily Star,May 14 2006.

8. ‘College Principal Murder in Ctg. Sparks Violent protest.Home Minister faces agitation, Govt.given 7-day deadline to arrest culprits’, The Daily Star, 17 Nov 2001.

9. ‘Darshana has long been the transit point for arms smuggling: Jamil confesses to police’, ProthomAlo, 13 May 2006.

10. ‘Extortionists gun down anti-crime leader’, The Daily Star, 27 May 2006.21

11. ‘Income tax lawyer killed in a taxicab: taka 8 lakh looted after being shot’, Prothom Alo, 30 April2006.

12. ‘Killing spree in Khulna: BNP leader bombed, AL leader knifed to death, another AL man fights forlife at DMCH’, The Daily Star, 30 January 2004.

12. ‘Municipal Elections:Violence, ballot capture mark close’, The Daily Star, 11 May 2004.

14. ‘One killed and 6 wounded after being refused of extortion amount’, Prothom Alo, 15 May 2006.

15. ‘Over 10,000 communal tortures in govt’s 4 yrs’, The Daily Star, 11 October 2005.

16. ‘People pay Tk 6,796cr in bribes a year: TIB survey finds the sum goes to 25 service sector entities’The Daily Star, 21 April 2005.

17. ‘Police-criminal nexus behind Ctg abductions’, The Daily Star, 11 October 2005.bar of a small room for ten hours.

18 / On August 2, 2011, the case was withdrawn by the complainant.

19 / When the police do not get any evidence, clue, witness in relation to a specific case, they submit a final report to the Court after investigation. It means the case has no more valid reason to continue and the case will subsequently be closed if the Court approves the final report. However, the case can be re-opened and re-investigated if the complainant submits an objection petition against the final report claiming that the police did not properly investigate the case and was biased. In the case of Mr. Khalilur Rahman Sumon, no witness was found during the investigation and he did not submit any objection petition against the police final report. See Odhikar, Human Rights Monitoring Report on Bangladesh, February 1-28, 2010, March 1, 2010.

20 / See Odhikar, Human Rights Monitoring Report on Bangladesh, February 1-28, 2010, March 1, 2010.

21 / See Odhikar, Human Rights Monitoring Report on Bangladesh, January-March 2010, April 1, 2010.

22 / On July 17, 2011, the NGO-AB issued a letter saying that Ms. Kalpona Akter and Mr. Babul Akhter would have to be removed for the organisation and, as a consequence, the Social Welfare Department rejected BCWS’s registration on July 31, 2011, adding that “from now on the BCWS should be abolished”, since BCWS could not submit its annual report for 2010 to the Department.

23 / Lalgar is an area in the West Bengal State of India where radical left activists have developed a movement on land rights issues and the West Bengal State Government.with the support of the Central Government had unleashed atrocities against the local people of Lalgar. is required to examine the detainee’s case after four months.

24.http://voiceofbangladesh.info/details_all.php?id=5&table_name=huuman_r&writer_id=0

25.http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/countries/bangladesh/

26.http://newsdawn.blogspot.com/2011/10/deteriorating-political-situation-in.html

27.http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/sca/136085.htm

28.http://www.state.gov/g/drl/rls/hrrpt/2009/sca/136085.htm

29.http://voiceofbangladesh.info/details_all.php?id=14&table_name=huuman_r&writer_id=0

30..http://awamibrutality.com/NewsDetail.aspx?NID=239