report in Dhaka Tribune, Oct 5, 2023
A new report by the non-governmental human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has shed light on the alarming harassment faced by journalists in Bangladesh during the first nine months of 2023. The report uncovers a disturbing pattern of threats, violence, and obstruction encountered by media professionals while performing their duties.
The ASK report, unveiled on Tuesday by ZI Khan Panna, chairperson of the executive committee of ASK, reveals that 217 journalists were subjected to torture, harassment, threats, and obstacles from January to September last year. One journalist lost his life during these incidents, having been beaten to death.
Information for the report was gathered from various sources, including 10 national dailies, online news portals, and ASK’s own sources.
The report further alleges that affiliated organizations of the BNP and Awami League, along with their associated groups, have been involved in several of these acts of harassment against journalists. The individuals implicated include university students, councilors, UP chairmen, upazila chairmen and various government employees, including law enforcement officials.
The ASK report indicates that eight individuals lost their lives at the hands of law enforcement forces, including five by the police, two by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), and one by the Detective Branch of the police (DB police).
Additionally, the report reveals that 77 people died while in prison custody, including 35 prisoners and 42 convicted individuals, with 49 of these incidents occurring in Dhaka.
Ain o Salish Kendra has also raised allegations that, apart from these cases, families and eyewitnesses have claimed that seven individuals were abducted by plain-clothed individuals posing as law enforcement personnel. Later, six of these individuals were arrested on various charges. They included two service holders, one village doctor, two BNP activists, one Chhatra League member, and one mason.
At the Bangladesh-India border, 18 Bangladeshi citizens were killed through firing and torture by the BSF. Moreover, 20 others sustained injuries, with 17 of these incidents occurring in Rangpur division.
Harassment of women and children
The report also highlights concerning figures related to violence against women and children in Bangladesh over the past nine months. A total of 467 women were raped during this period, resulting in the deaths of 32 individuals following these assaults. The report further reveals that 391 people fell victim to family violence, leading to the deaths of 235 women and 94 individuals taking their own lives due to domestic abuse.
Furthermore, 1,157 children have endured murder and torture, including 317 children who were murdered, 43 boys who were raped, 2 boys who were killed after being raped, and 1 boy who tragically committed suicide following abuse. Six children survived attempted murder.
The report highlights that the highest number of cases involving the killing of teenage children, aged 13 to 18 years, stands at 157. This age group also experiences the highest number of murders and suicides related to physical violence.
The report also reveals that this age group is the most targeted for child rapes, with 57 documented cases. A total of 256 cases did not specify an age limit, including instances of gang rape.
Further incidents noted in the report include seven cases of acid attacks, with one involving the assault on a 13-18-year-old girl who rejected a marriage proposal. The reasons behind these attacks range from sexual non-consent, land disputes, rejection of marriage proposals, to news of an ex-wife’s remarriage. https://www.dhakatribune.com/bangladesh/327098/ask-report-217-journalists-subjected-to
