A section of Bangladeshi expatriates demand lifting cases against Hasina

A group of Bangladeshi expatriates in Europe has submitted a dossier at the office of Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights , on what they alleged gross rights abuses, wholesale arrests, filling of false murder charges and assault on minorities reportedly taking place in the aftermath of August 5.

They cited specific instances of abuses of rights and demanded withdrawal of cases filed against the former prime minister Sheikh Hasina alongside thousands of Awmi League activists, alongside journalists, writers and rights activists.

On Tuesday, they went at the office of UN rights chief on Geneva where another UN official on behalf of Volker Turk received the dossier, according to a message received here.

UNB could not independently verify the submission of the dossier with the UN office.

According to the dossier, attention has been sought to dig out in details on the violent campaign including attacks on liberal politicians, killing of Awami League members, destruction of public properties, attacks on police stations and cops that allegedly praising plunged the country and its citizens on the edge.

The arson and looting at the historic residence of founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman at Dhanmondi 32, a symbol of resilience of country’s struggle for independence and a structure, and inaction to bring the attackers to justice is a dangerous precedence for the posterity, they observed.

At the same time, a breakdown of law and order including rising tide of lynching and murder under cover of mob justice, release of convicted militants and crime lords and looting of armories have further put the lives of citizens in jeopardy, they said.

Downplaying the scale of communal violence, statements have been issued by advisers calling attacks exaggerated and rising tide of call of Islamic rule, let alone unbridled freedom for campaign of Calipahte by banned outfits like Hizbut Taharir held potent to turn Bangladesh into a failed state and earn the tag as safe haven for terrorists, they added.

On the other hand, a barrage of repressive measures including impunity for killing and attacking residences of citizens affiliated with Awami League and burning down of party offices.

They also claimed their families, living in Bangladesh, are living in fear of lives alongside receiving threats of attacks regularly but no legal action has been taken to ensure their protection.

All European Awami League president Nazrul Islam, secretary Shyamol Khan among others were part of the delegation.