Criticising the role of law enforcers in the incidents of ‘crossfire’, chairman of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Prof Mizanur Rahman said on Thursday the state must ensure human rights even to offenders.
He said this while addressing a discussion on a report, titled ‘Bangladesh Chapter 2014’, prepared by Ain O Salish Kendro under Asian NGO Network on National Human Rights Institution (ANNI), at the Jatiya Press Club. Noting that one cannot be called offenders until it is judged by the court, the NHRC chair said even if proven guilty, the state must give a chance to the offender to defend himself or herself.
It is the responsibility of the state to ensure the human rights of the offender. The killing of a person by law enforcers in ‘crossfire’ cannot be accepted, he added.
Mizanur Rahman also observed that NHRC’s activity is limited to only recommendation due to the weak structure of law, limited authority and lack of manpower.
Despite the barriers, people’s expectation to the NHRC is growing, he said adding that lodging of complaints with the commission has increased by 300 percent in recent times.
ANNI is a network that comprises human rights institutions and activists of 17 countries from Asia. ANNI prepares yearly reports on human rights situation, particularly the role of national human rights commissions, in the 17 countries concerned.
ASK executive director Sultana Kamal moderated the discussion. – UNB
