US Ambassador in Dhaka Dan W Mozena on Thursday urged the government to conduct thorough, timely and credible investigations into all alleged human rights violations and abuses, including allegations against members of Rab for committing abuses and misconducts.
“I continue to urge the government to conduct thorough, timely and credible investigations of all alleged human rights violations and abuses…and to report findings in a transparent manner,” he said.The US envoy was speaking at a function marking the distribution of certificates among a group of Rab members of Internal Enquiry Cell. Mozena further said,
“This is how law enforcement agencies around the world, including those in my own country, deal with those elements that abuse their power.”
He also urged the Rab men to take the lead in conducting thorough, timely and credible investigations of alleged abuses by members of Rab.
“You should carry out these investigations fearlessly and share the conclusions in a transparent manner that builds greater public confidence and trust in the organization,” Mozena said.
He said the government support for this intensive, eight week-long training course to strengthen the effectiveness of the Rab Internal Enquiries Cell makes clear that the senior leadership of the government is endeavouring to hold members of Rab (Rapid Action Battalion) accountable.
“I believe that such accountability is now more important than ever in light of recent alleged incidents of abuse of power,” he added.
“I believe it’s now more important than ever that the Internal Enquiry Cell plays its critical role both in launching investigations of Rab conduct on its own initiative and in responding to complaints from the public of reported abuses and excesses by members of Rab.”
Mozena went on saying, “Nobody has a greater interest in holding accountable those who commit abuses in the name of Rab than those members of Rab itself who work with integrity and honesty, for it is the bad apples that tarnish the reputation of the entire force and all of those who serve honorably.”
He said the structures and procedures of the Internal Enquiries Cell offer promise for a better and more effective Rab, one of professionalisms at the highest standard, one in which all Bangladeshi citizens can take great pride.
“But structures and procedures themselves are not sufficient to effect change. Implementation of the Cell’s mandate is the key to a Rab that is fully responsive to the rights and dignity of the nation’s citizens,” the US envoy told the function. – UNB
