Respecting human rights without discrimination

Treating all persons -- who are held in custody by the police – well is a fundamental human right. It should be honoured and respected under all circumstances. Even in cases of justified law enforcement against the persons so held, the police or other law enforcing personnel can under no circumstances transgress their limits. In this context, the concern that was expressed the other day by the Chairman, Bangladesh Human Rights Commission, is widely stared by all concerned.

It is regrettable to note here that despite a growing public awareness about showing proper respect to human rights, the authorities concerned seem to be nonchalant. They are in no mood to take into the consideration the principles relating to human rights. Those who are arrested and taken on remand are reportedly subjected, in many cases, to tortures. Such incidents constitute a worrying case of gross human rights violation. No citizen, irrespective of his or her positions, should be treated shabbily. And in case of political personalities, harassment and torture in custody for reasons of his or her political affiliations, run afoul of democratic norms then what assurance is there that ordinary citizens would be treated any better.

Warrants of arrest should properly be served on any person while being taken into police custody. The cases against such persons for which the police take them into custody and seek their remand, must not be of any dubious nature. None should be targeted and subjected to oppression denying his or her order basic human rights on any films ground.

Impulses of political vengeance should under no circumstances be allowed to work. Political elements deserve a befitting treatment, while showing proper respect to their democratic as well as human rights.

Any maltreatment of an individual, while being in custody, contrasts with the norms and practices of a democratic polity. But the accused or persons committing any crime should be treated equally, without discriminating them on grounds of their loyalty to any particular party.

Human rights are not meant only for any privileged few. None should think that there are no such rights for commoners or the political opposition. If so, then the claim to a democratic dispensation becomes hollow.


(2010-12-25/Financial Express Bangladesh)