Human Rights
Murder cases, mob violence now new weapons for journalist persecution
George Orwell, the author of the world-renowned dystopian novel 1984, which deals with surveillance, fictional injustice, and authoritarianism, also expressed timeless views on journalism. One of them is: “Journalism is printing what someone else does not want printed: everything else is public relations.” And truly so—the journalist’s job is to expose suppressed information, matters of public importance, and secret activities. The aim of journalism is to speak out against injustice, inconsistencies, and corruption. A journalist's mission is to act as an observer and protect people from being deceived and deprived. But questioning those in power, high-ranking officials, members of various forces, and people involved in crimes is a difficult task.
Admitting fault not enough for forgiveness; strict action necessary
The simple Bangla meaning of ‘common sense’ is basic judgement. It is essential for any sensible person to possess this. Otherwise, they end up messing things up in every task. For those holding important positions in the state, common sense is even more crucial. But judging from the situation, it seems some members of our law enforcement agencies may have lost even this basic sense of proportion. Occasionally, they commit such ‘acts’ that leave one utterly shocked. Just like a report from yesterday has left us stunned.
Shaheed Abu Sayeed, you are not a failure, nor the cry of your soul
Abu Sayeed was born in 2001 in Babonpur village of Pirganj upazila in Rangpur. His father is Mokbul Hossain, his mother Monowara Begum. Abu Sayeed had six brothers and three sisters; he was the youngest of nine siblings. He passed the fifth grade from the local Jafor Para Government Primary School with a talent pool scholarship. Afterwards, he passed SSC from the local Khalashpir Dimukhi High School with a Golden GPA-5. In 2018, he passed intermediate with GPA-5 from Rangpur Government College. Later in 2020, he got admitted to the Department of English at Begum Rokeya University. He was a student of the 12th batch (2024) of the English department at Rokeya University. Abu Sayeed was a spirited, talented young student. People in his area had dreams centred around him. It is unbearably painful to bring back the body of that same Sayeed.
Active Human Rights Commission immediately
While incidents of human rights violations are occurring in a row, it is reported in the media that the National Human Rights Commission has been inactive for the last four months. As a result, victims of human rights violations are being deprived of services. According to the news published in the media yesterday, March 18 (Tuesday), after the fall of the Awami League government in the student-public uprising on August 5 last year, the commission formed during that government survived until November. Although the previous chairman and members resigned due to the change in the political landscape, the new commission has not been formed which is disappointing. This may seem like the interim government does not consider the importance of the Human Rights Commission.
Tears of the rape victim remains unseen
The deteriorating law and order situation in the country has led to a sharp rise in horrifying incidents of rape. Among them, the brutal rape of an 8-year-old child in Magura has shocked the nation. According to research reports from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in just January and February of this year, 96 people were raped, including 44 children.
Ensure rule of law to prevent violence against women
Ensure rule of law to prevent violence against women
Human rights and policing
The concept of human rights is deeply rooted in sensitivity, wherein human rights are interpreted and contextualized concerning circumstances and environment. Human rights entail the harmonization of ethics and values, serving as a benchmark for humane conduct, which is determined based on moral principles and is explicitly recognized through both national and international laws. Every individual is inherently born free and equal in dignity and rights. This principle is enshrined in the first paragraph of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
US has not recognised Bangladesh's achievements on human rights: Spox
Bangladesh's human rights situation has improved significantly under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, but it has not been recognised in the annual Human Rights Report (HRR) of the United States, alleged Seheli Sabrin, the spokesperson of the foreign ministry.