Rab
US itself is an extreme violator of human rights, says Hasan Mahmud
Information and Broadcasting Minister Hasan Mahmud on Saturday stated the sanctions of the US on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) are one-sided and invalid, saying, “Human rights is extremely violated in the US.”
The minister made the remark while replying to journalists at a program of the University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS) in the city’s Baridhara.
The United States on Friday imposed human rights-related sanctions on 15 individuals and 10 organizations on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
Benzir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director-General of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and six other individuals were among them, besides RAB as an organization.
Read: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
The minister said the US also imposed sanctions on Narendra Modi but later he was given a red-carpet reception, which proves that such sanctions are in fact ineffective.
The minister also said that UN human rights experts urged the US government to end police torture and racial discrimination this year. The Guardian stated in an article that 55% of all deaths in police custody in the United States between 1980 and 2018 were "unreported" or "mislabeled," which means the exact cause of death was not disclosed.
Not only that, the world did not forget the tragic scene of a black man’s death at the hands of police on the streets of the United States last year, the information minister said.
“When Palestinian children hurled stones at Israelis, they fired at them. Above situation, the US has not imposed sanctions on the Israelis. On the contrary, if any country proposes condemnation of these human rights violations at the United Nations, the United States vetoes it."
So, it’s very clear that their ban is motivated, one-sided and ineffective, the minister stated.
Read: Dhaka trashes HR violation allegations against IGP, 6 others
However, Hassan Mahmoud said the United States is our development partner and our law enforcement and security forces have been working together to curb militancy and terrorism.
Vice-Chancellor of UITS Prof. Mohammad Solaiman, UITS Chairman and Founder of PHP Family Sufi Mohammad Mizanur Rahman, Turkish Ambassador to Bangladesh Mustafa Osman Turan, deputy Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University Dr ASM Maksud Kamal were present on the occasion.
‘Working to protect human rights, not to violate’: RAB commander about US sanctions
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), as an entity, has been working to protect human rights since its formation and not to violate those, said Commander Al Moin, director of RAB legal and media wing, on Saturday.
He said this at a press briefing while replying to questions from journalists on the sanctions imposed by the United States on RAB and its seven current and former officials over the allegation of violating human rights. The briefing was held at RAB’s Karwan Bazar media centre.
Commander Moin said RAB has so far lost 28 of its 9,000 members in different operations and got 2,000 injured and 1,000 maimed.
Also read: US imposes sanctions on RAB, 7 individuals
He said Bangladesh has been able to tackle militancy and free the Sundarbans from robbers due to RAB’s constant efforts.
RAB has been working to bring back the militants and forest robbers to normal life through rehabilitating them alongside working to protect the human rights, the RAB commander insisted.
“We’ve not received any official letter regarding the sanctions yet. We’ll take steps upon receiving the official letter,” said Moin.
He said there is no scope to break laws as a RAB official as this elite force is much stricter than any other forces when it comes to punishing its members for defying laws.
The United States on Friday imposed human rights-related sanctions on Benzir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director General of RAB, and six other individuals on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
Also read: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
The US Department of State announced visa restrictions on Benazir Ahmed, which it says, due to his “involvement in gross violations of human rights” making him ineligible for entry into the United States.
RAB as an entity, Benzir Ahmed, and six other officials were designated by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme in connection with serious human rights abuse, said the US Department of State.
It’s inevitable consequence of HR violations, BNP about US sanctions
BNP on Saturday described the US sanctions on Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and its seven current and former top officials as an inevitable consequence of serious violations of human rights.
“As per news published today (Saturday), sanctions have been imposed on Benazir Ahmed (current IGP) and the RAB chief. I don't think it's a surprise as I it's an inevitable consequence,” said BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir.
Speaking at a discussion, he also said those who violate human rights, snatch human rights and kill people have to face such a consequence.
The BNP leader said their party now wants to see whether the government takes action against those who are accused of violating human rights or remains silent as in the past.
Fakhrul said the US sanctions have also proved right what BNP has long been talking about the violations of human rights and killing and torturing of people by using the state machinery, including police and administration.
“What a shame it is that a country that likes the United States has imposed sanctions on our police and Rab chiefs. The reasons behind the sanctions are violation of human rights and unlawfully killing people and making many disappeared. They must be made accountable to people someday for such misdeeds.”
Read: Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
National People’s Party (NPP) arranged the discussion at Dhaka Reporters’ Unity (DRU), demanding BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia’s treatment abroad.
The United States on Friday imposed human rights-related sanctions on Benzir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director General of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and six other individuals on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
The US Department of State announced visa restrictions on Benazir Ahmed, which it says, due to his “involvement in gross violations of human rights” making him ineligible for entry into the United States.
RAB as an entity, Benzir Ahmed, and six other officials were designated by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme in connection with serious human rights abuse, said the US Department of State.
Fakhrul said government officials and employees should remember that they are the servants of the state, not any individual or party. "It’s not their responsibility to do anything going beyond the constitution. Those who’re doing it will have to bear the consequences someday.”
Fakhrul said many people are siphoning off money abroad and making “second homes” in different countries, including Canada and Malaysia, by indulging in ‘plundering and corruption’. “They’ll also face the consequences and they won’t be able to enjoy their ill-gotten wealth as those will be confiscated.”
Fakhrul alleged that the government has put Bangladesh in an embarrassing situation as the USA did not invite the county to a virtual "Summit for Democracy held on Thursday hosted by Joe Biden.
He said the Awami League government is working in a planned way to establish a one-party rule by fully violating the constitution. “It’s the most grievous offence of the current government.”
Read: Dhaka trashes HR violation allegations against IGP, 6 others
The BNP leader alleged that the government has destroyed the political structure of the country by revoking the caretaker government system from the constitution by using the court.
Fakhrul said the ruling party leaders and ministers are indulging in widespread plundering and corruption as they have no accountability to people for lack of democracy.
He said Khaleda who has had immense contributions to the country and restoration of democracy in the country was convicted in “false cases’’ as part of a plot to eliminate her from politics.
The BNP leader said Khaleda is now seriously ill as she was not given proper treatment during her stay in jail. “She has now been pushed towards death by not allowing her to receive treatment. The government is doing so as it thinks there’ll remain no barrier to staying in power if Khaleda is eliminated. But it’s their wrong perception as BNP is getting organised under the leadership of Tarique Rahman.”
Fakhrul called upon all democratic political parties to get united putting aside divisions among them to wage a strong movement together with people for the restoration of democracy ousting the current ‘despotic’ regime thus paving the way for Khaleda’s treatment abroad.
Sanctions on RAB: FM says impact on relations depends on US
Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday said it will depend on the United States whether there will be any impact on Dhaka-Washington relations following sanctions on RAB and individuals.
“I don’t think so but it depends on the US,” he told reporters after attending a programme at Foreign Service Academy when asked about any possible impact on the relations with the US following this development .
Dr Momen said there are instances of attacks on those countries and governments which have been doing well in terms of development and people’s welfare.
He said problems appear when a country or government does well and there are many examples. “Once you do something for people’s welfare, many out of jealousy do so many things.”
Read: Miller summoned; Dhaka’s discontent over Washington’s unilateral decision conveyed
Dr Momen said the people of the country have much confidence in the “disciplined” force RAB as they played a role in making the country free from terrorists.
He said some NGOs and human rights groups lodged complaints against RAB in addition to the US' own assessment. “These’re regrettable.”
In the USA, Dr Momen said, 600,000 people got disappeared every year and the US government does not know how they got disappeared.
Meanwhile, he said, around 1,000 people are killed each year by the police in the USA in the line of duty but no head of agency is punished.
The Foreign Minister said what the US said about RAB is not based on facts. “They should be specific and more fact-based ones. The US is a mature country but their decisions are not that much mature.”
The United States on Friday imposed human rights-related sanctions on Benzir Ahmed, current Inspector General of the Bangladesh Police and former Director General of Bangladesh’s Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) and six other individuals on the occasion of International Human Rights Day.
Read: Dhaka trashes HR violation allegations against IGP, 6 others
The US Department of State announced visa restrictions on Benazir Ahmed, which it says, due to his “involvement in gross violations of human rights” making him ineligible for entry into the United States.
RAB as an entity, Benzir Ahmed, and six other officials were designated by the Department of the Treasury under the Global Magnitsky sanctions programme in connection with serious human rights abuse, said the US Department of State.
‘Pirate’ killed in gunfight with Rab in Barguna
A pirate was killed allegedly in a gunfight with the members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) in Patharghata upazila of Barguna early Friday.
However, the identity of the deceased could nott be known immediately.
Read: 2 ‘robbers’ killed in Bhola ‘gunfight’
According to Rab-8 sources a team of Rab-8 took position on the bank of Bishkhali river at Badurtola area around 2 am. Sensing the presence of law enforcers, the pirates opened fire at the Rab members forcing them to fire back that triggered a gunfight.
After the gunfight, Rab found a pirate lying on the ground with bullet wounds.
Read:Cumilla councillor's murder: Prime accused killed in ‘gunfight’
On information, police rushed to the spot and sent the pirate to the Patharghata Upazila Health Complex where the doctor declared him dead, said Abul Bashar, officer-in-charge of Patharghata Police Station.
Rab questions actor Emon on leaked phone conversation with Murad
Rab called actor Mamnoon Hasan Emon to its headquarters on Tuesday evening to question him about a leaked phone conversation involving him, actress Mahiya Mahi and the just-former state minister for information Murad Hassan.
The conversation, that reportedly took place two years ago, went viral on social media in past few days leading to Murad’s resignation on Tuesday on the instruction of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Read: Now Murad loses Jamalpur district AL post
An official of Rab headquarters requesting anonymity told UNB that Emon was called at the headquarters of the elite force.
“He came to the Rab headquarters at around 6:30 pm and he is now being asked over the leaked telephonic conversation,” the officer said.
In the controversial conversation an excited Murad was heard asking Emon and Mahiya to come to his five-star hotel room immediately.
Read: “Forgive me”: Murad’s apology to women
In his talk with the actress, Murad used obscene and abusive language and even threatened her unless she accepts his invitation.
The under-fire junior minister submitted his resignation letter to the Prime Minister on Tuesday showing personal reasons.
Natore: RAB rescues kidnapped girl
The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Friday night rescued a Class VIII student who was allegedly kidnapped from her grandparents' house in Lochangarh village of Natore Sadar upazila.
The kidnapper, identified as Anik Hossain, was also detained during the raid at a house in the Ekdala area of Natore Sadar upazila, officials said on Saturday.
READ: Kidnapped schoolboy found dead in Meherpur; 2 held
Natore RAB deputy commander Rafiqul Islam said that the girl was kidnapped on December 2 from her grandparents' house. "Acting on a complaint filed by the girl's family, the RAB conducted an operation, rescued her and held the kidnapper."
READ: Woman kidnapped from Dhaka kitchen market, raped by 3
Three held for killing former Moheshkhali pirate Alauddin
Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) on Monday night arrested three people, including the prime accused, in connection with the killing of former pirate Alauddin of Moheshkhali.
The arrestees have been identified as Rafikul Islam Prakash Mamun (28), the prime accused, Md Rifat (23) and Ayub Ali (40).
A RAB-15 team arrested Mamun and Rifat around 7pm during a raid in the Faitong area under Lama police station limits in Bandarban, following a tip-off.
Also read: Pirate ringleader held in Khulna
Alauddin was nabbed later from the Pahartali area of Cox’s Bazar, after Mamun gave information about his whereabouts during interrogation, according to RAB.
On November 5, around 8pm some assailants killed Alauddin, 26, the former pirate, in the Chamiraghona Kalur bridge area of Kalamar Chara union in Cox’s Bazar.
Also read: ‘Pirate’ killed in Bhola ‘gunfight’
The next day, Alauddin’s brother Sumon Uddin filed a complaint at the Moheshkhali police station. Followed by the complaint, police filed a murder case under penal code 302/34.
RAB members claimed to have recovered the guns used in the crime. "Efforts are on to arrest the other accused," an officer said.
3 missing sisters fled Dhaka home for the love of father, Rab found them
Three teenage sisters missing from their Dhaka home was on Friday traced safe in their father’s house in Jashore, Rab said.
The three sisters Rokeya (18), Zainab Ara (18) and Khadija Ara (17) went to Jashore on Thursday to see their ailing father, they told Rapid Action Battalion which found them.
While Rokeya passed SSC last year, her two younger sisters are this year’s SSC examinees.
Read: Police launch a search after three sisters go missing from their city home
The girls, living with their maternal aunt Sajia Nawrin at Adabar in Dhaka, left the house on Thursday morning without informing her, she said in a general diary she filed with Adabar police.
Rab-2 joined the hunt for the girls and traced their location at their father’s ancestral home in Jashore.
Rab arranged a video contact between the girls and their aunt ensuring that they are safe.
The girls’ mother died of cancer in 2013 and since then they have been living legally with their aunt.
Illegally exhibited animals rescued from Bagerhat Park
Members of Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) on Monday rescued 43 animals of 16 species and also seized several animal hides from Chandramohol Ecopark at Ranajitpur of Bagerhat Sadar.
Besides, a mobile court fined the Ecopark manager Md Ali Chakladar Tk 50,000 for illegally keeping wildlife.
Read: Woman hacked to death by husband in Bagerhat
Rab Khulna-6 Sadar Company Commander Al Asad Mahfuzul Islam said, tipped off, Rab members along with Wildlife Management and Nature Conservation Division rescued the animals conducting a drive in the Ecopark.
During the drive, two deer, a crocodile, a langur, five monkeys, a peacock, two ostriches, five Australian pigeons, two tortoises, seven herons and two Machhmutal birds were rescued.
Read: 'Festival of poaching' endangers bird life in Bagerhat beel
Besides, Rab seized six deer hides and six horns, a bear hide, a kangaroo hide and a whale skeleton.
All these animals and hides were being maintained illegally. And the Ecopark authority could not show any valid documents in this regard, the official said.