Shahanur Islam Files Historic Complaint with UN Working Group on Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh

In a groundbreaking move, Shahanur Islam, a courageous advocate for human rights, has become the first person in Bangladesh to submit a formal complaint to the United Nations Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances (WGID). The complaint, filed on November 11, 2008, sheds light on the disturbing case of Hasan Khan, who was reportedly kidnapped and forcibly disappeared by the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) from Uttara, Dhaka.

The UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, established by the UN Human Rights Council, plays a crucial role in investigating cases of enforced disappearances worldwide. By bringing attention to this grave concern through his complaint, Shahanur Islam has taken a significant step towards addressing the issue of enforced disappearances in Bangladesh.

Hasan Khan's story represents just one of many disturbing cases of individuals who have been victims of enforced disappearances in the country. Shahanur Islam's formal complaint highlights the urgent need for justice, accountability, and an end to such heinous acts.

FACT FINDING REPORT: Threats Against Human rights defender Mr. Shahanur Islam

Date: September 01, 2008

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-02-08

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a fact finding report conducted by the fact-finding team of BIHR from August 31 to September 01, 2008 regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Programme Manager of Legal and Human Rights Affairs at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities

STATEMENT:On United States Human Rights (USHR) report on Bangladesh dated 27 March 2008 the home affairs Adviser Mr. M. A Matin of Bangladesh.......

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

  On United States Human Rights (USHR) report on Bangladesh dated 27 March 2008 the home affairs Adviser Mr. M. A Matin of Bangladesh caretaker Govt. has evaluated as “lack of Balance” on the following grounds: - (1) That the report has not acknowledged the reform of (a) Election commission (b) Public Service commission (c) Anticorruption commission (d) Separation of judiciary (e) Revision of police Act with adherence to human rights principles and standards (f) initiative to establish a National Human Rights commission. (2) Those extrajudicial killings by Law enforcing agencies including Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) have been reduced than the previous time.

FACT FINDING REPORT:Human Rights Defender Shahanur Islam Receives His Life Threats

Date: February 07, 2008

Fact Finding Case: BIHR-HRD-01-08 

Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights has been received a report reliable source regarding to intimidation of Mr. Shahanur Islam, Team Leader and team In Charge of Lobbying Campaign & Advocacy Team at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT) by cell phone. According to the information received, there was no action taken by the police authorities. 

BIOGRAPHIC INFORMATION: 

  Name of the Victim :Mr. Shahanur Islam Saikot, Team Leader and team In Charge of Lobbying Campaign & Advocacy Team at the Bangladesh Institute of Human Rights (BIHR) and Bangladesh Rehabilitation Centre for Trauma Victims (BRCT). During the time of his duties, he moved many cases against the perpetrators as a lawyer and some of them have been punished. He also conducted many investigations and fact-finding missions on human rights violations as well as issued local and international urgent appeals requesting attention to concerned authorities. 

STATEMENT:Trial of the offenders of Extra- judicial killing in the name of Operation Clean Heart and Cross Fire is a necessary demand of the citizens

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

In the preamble of the constitution of Bangladesh it has been clearly declared that “ it shall be a fundamental aim of the state to realize through the democratic process of socialist society, free from exploitation- a society in which the rule of law, fundamental human rights and freedom, equality and justice, political, economic and social, will be secured for all citizen”. It is well known to the whole national and international communities that the last BNP-Jamat government in the name of controlling deterioration of law and order situation deployed army in the year 2003.

STATEMENT:Election conducting Government officials right from the office of Chief Election commission up to Returning officer...

Adv. Shahanur Islam Saikot Programme Manager-Legal & Human Rights 

 Since after the killing of the father of the Nation Bangabundhu Sheikh Muzibur Rahman on 15 August 1975 the following elections were held in Bangladesh: 1. Referendum of Military ruler Lt. General Ziaur Rahman was held in the year 1977. At best 2 % of voters turned out but the election-conducting officials in the presence of the Military showed 98% casting of the total voters and Ziaur Rahman achieved the peoples mandate to become the president simultaneously holding the post of Chief Staff of Army. There was no role of politicians in that rigging of election.