Dhaka, Jun 1 (Just News): The country witnessed loss of 149 lives in what Odhikar termed extra-judicial killings in May 2018, compared to 154 such deaths in the year 2017, already a high number of killings without trial.
The rights body documented killings of as many as 127 people from 15 May to 31 May, in the name of 'gunfight' or 'shootout' during anti drug drives across the country. UNB news agency recorded 134 deaths in the crackdown on drugs suspects since 12 May.
In its monthly report released on Friday, Odhikar blamed the police, Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), detective branch of police and the Coast Guard for the extra-judicial killings.
"Extrajudicial killings continue due to a weak criminal justice system and impunity of the killers given by the State. In many cases, such killings occurred in order to conceal the main perpetrators," Odhikar observed.
Dwelling on the recent killing of alleged drug peddlers, the rights organisation mentioned that the incumbent government has declared a 'war on drug'.
It referred to the prime minister's order on 3 May when she reportedly, "We have given special responsibility to all law enforcement agencies, intelligence agencies and RAB. Stern action will be taken against drug dealers and we are taking such stern action."
At least 222 people were killed extra-judicially -- four of them tortured to death - so far in 2018. The number of such killing was 178 in 2016, 186 in 2015, 172 in 2014 and 329 in 2013, according to Odhikar records.
This is the period, when, Odhikar report said, rights to freedom of assembly and association of the opposition political parties were violated and leaders and activists of the opposition parties were randomly arrested on various pretexts.
Odhikar blamed the Awami League's assumption of power through controversial elections in 2014 for the human rights deterioration as well as damaging the electoral system in the country.
It cited the latest example of election to Khulna City Corporation, plagued by allegations of various irregularities and rigging, including, capturing polling stations, snatching ballot papers, casting fake votes and ousting the polling agents belonging to rival candidates.
The Odhikar report pointed out that the government's s pressure on student leaders, who were demonstrating for reforms in quota system in public services, continued. Four protestors were given death threats by ruling party-backed Bangladesh Chhatra League leaders, Odhikar added.
In May, Odhikar recorded that a total number of 49 females had been raped.
(Justnews/ys/2105hr)
