HC asks NHRC to probe torture on Rakib

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Thursday, 23 February 2012

Author / Source : STAFF REPORTER

Dhaka, Feb 22: The High Court (HC), on Wednesday, directed the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to conduct an investigation on the torture of Rakib Hossain, grandson of the country's first prime minister, Taj Uddin Ahmed. The HC asked the NHRC to complete the investigation within a month. But, the commission could take more time to find out the real truth, it said.
The HC bench, comprising Justice AHM Shamsuddin Chowdhury and Justice Jahangir Hossain, also directed the authorities concerned to suspend two sub-Inspectors -- Somen Barua and Mostafizur Rahman -- during the investigation. It also directed the authorities concerned to transfer Asraful Azim Miah and Shah Alam, assistant commissioner of Gulshan Zone and officer-in-charge of Gulshan police station, respectively.
However, the HC also said that their transfer would not be considered as punishments bearing any stain on their career. It said the step would only be taken to ensure smooth investigation.
Dr Kamal Hossain, Advocate SM Rezaul Karim and Barrister Tania Amir appeared for Rakib during the hearing. The Human Rights Commission chairman, Dr Minzanur Rahman, was also present.
Barristers Raknuddin Mahmud and Motahar Hossain appeared for the police, while deputy attorney general ABM Altaf Hossain represented the state.
Earlier, on February 12, the HC bench had summoned five police officials to appear before the court on February 16 to explain their alleged involvement in the case. It also issued a rule asking the government to explain why it should not be directed to take appropriate legal action against the police officials responsible for the torture. The HC came up with the order following newspapers reports on the incident.
According to the reports, Soumen and Mostafiz tortured Rakib, along with his friend, Himel, for parking his car in front of a roadside restaurant on Gulshan Avenue at around 6 pm on February 10. The two police personnel abused Rakib and then beat him up.