The Domestic Workers Rights Network has called for a thorough investigation and legal intervention into "the murder of an indigenous teenage domestic worker" at the residence of The Daily Star's Executive Editor, Syed Ashfaqul Haque.
In a press release, the organization expressed concern over the death of 15-year-old Preeti Urang and urged the government and administration to unveil the true circumstances of the incident. They emphasize the need for appropriate action to prosecute those responsible to prevent such occurrences in future.
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"In recent years, there has been a concerning rise in torture, killings, and violations of human rights against domestic workers. These workers are entitled to just treatment and respect as human beings. The absence of enforcement for the 'Domestic Workers Protection and Welfare Policy, 2015' and their exclusion from labor laws contribute to a pattern of abuse, with perpetrators emboldened by a lack of consequences. Imposing exemplary punishment for such incidents could deter future acts of violence against domestic workers," it said.
Earlier on Feb 6, police recovered the body of a teenage domestic help from in front of a multi-storey building at Shahjahan Road in Dhaka’s Mohammadpur.
A case was filed following a complaint lodged by Preeti’s father Lokesh Urang the next day.
Ashfaqul Haque and his wife Tania Khondoker were denied bail and sent to jail, where investigators interrogated them on February 8-9 at the jailgate.
Read more: 15-year-old domestic help's body recovered from in front of building where she worked; 2 in custody