Rab admits, apologises

Rab Director General AKM Shahidur Rahman has apologised to the families of the victims of enforced disappearances, murders, and abductions.

“We know there are quite a few allegations of enforced disappearance, murders and abductions against Rab. I apologise to the families of the victims…,” he said at a views-exchange meeting with journalists.

He specifically mentioned the seven people murdered by Rab men in Narayanganj in 2014.

He also acknowledged that Rab had secret prisons, popularly known as Aynaghar, where abducted people were kept.

In its reaction to the Rab DG’s comments, Mayer Daak, a platform of the families of enforced disappearance victims, said an apology was not enough.

“A proper and transparent legal preceding is needed to ensure accountability of those behind the enforced disappearance and killing of our loved ones,” reads the statement signed by Sanjida Islam Tulee, spokesperson of the platform.

At the views-exchange meeting at the Rab Media Centre in the capital, Shahidur said Rab made no physical changes to the secret detention facilities as per the instruction of the inquiry commission on enforced disappearances.

“As long as I am in charge…, we will not engage in crimes like enforced disappearances or murders no matter who gives the orders,” said Shahidur, who became the head of Rab three days after the fall of Sheikh Hasina on August 5.

The International Crimes Tribunal has initiated proceedings taking into cognisance the crimes like enforced disappearances, he said.

“We hope a fair and impartial investigation will be conducted into the allegations against us and the trial will be just.”

According to Ain O Salish Kendra, from the inception of Rab in April 2004 to June this year, at least 1,200 people got killed in so-called crossfires involving it.

Many have alleged over the years that their loved ones never returned after they were picked up by Rab.

On November 5, the inquiry commission on enforced disappearances said it received approximately 1,600 complaints and 172 of those were linked to Rab.

Nur Khan, a member of the commission, told reporters that a detention cell of Rab was measured just 3.5 feet x 4 feet.

“It has no source of light other than a small peephole…. People had been confined to such cells for years,” he said.

At yesterday’s event, a reporter asked Shahidur whether Rab would be disbanded.

He replied, “We will perform our duties with dedication and sincerity. Any decision by the government is final. We will abide by it.”

The BNP recently recommended that the force, which was hit with US sanctions for serious human rights violations, be disbanded. The BNP was in power when Rab was formed.

Regarding allegations that Rab used firearms, teargas shells, and threw stun grenades from helicopters on protesters during the mass uprising, Shahidur said facts will come out through investigations. “Measures will be taken as per the findings.”

MAYER DAAK STATEMENT

“We believe seeking pardon is a tactic that can mislead the general public. Until justice is ensured, we will not back down from our demands,” reads the statement.

“After our struggle of over a decade, some forces are at least admitting that they were involved in enforced disappearances and killings.

“We have repeatedly demanded justice… but there has been no visible progress.

“All individuals who have been forcibly disappeared must be unconditionally released from ‘Aynaghar’ and similar detention centres and returned to their families.”

The families of victims who have been killed must be informed what had happened to their loved ones, it says.

“Besides police and Rab, the military intelligence agency was involved in these enforced disappearances and killings, but it has yet to acknowledge the truth.”

Mayer Daak demands a clear admission from the army.

The secret prisons must be destroyed and museums built in their place to ensure “no enforced disappearance, killing, or crime against humanity occurs” in the future.

“The museums should be dedicated to preserving the memory of the victims of enforced disappearances and oppression.”

“What happened to them after they were forcibly disappeared? Where is the detailed account and the paperwork from the state forces?”

RAB VIEWS-EXCHANGE MEET

Rab DG Shahidur said since Rab began its journey, it has seized around 20,000 firearms and narcotics with a street value of Tk 6,292 crore. It also arrested 1.5 lakh narcotics-related offenders, he said.

At least 35 Rab men had been killed while on duty. So far, 58 officers and 4,235 members faced disciplinary actions, he added.

On December 5, new Inspector General of Police Baharul Alam apologised to the families of those shot dead during the mass uprising that toppled Hasina government.

Four days later, DMP Commissioner SM Sazzat Ali apologised for what he said was unprofessional behavior of police during the July uprising.