BD assures UN of probing allegation of excessive use of force

Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Anisul Huq has assured the United Nation High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein that the government would investigate any allegation of excessive use of force by the law enforcing agencies and would, if proved, bring perpetrators to justice.

He also assured that the on-going operations are temporary measures to curb the drug problem, and the government looks forward to end these as soon as the situation comes under control.

The minister on Friday met Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein in Geneva, to discuss protection of human rights in Bangladesh and beyond.

The meeting was a part of the government's on-going cooperation and 'respectful discourse' with the UN Human Rights mechanism, said a press statement of the ministry on Saturday.

The High Commissioner underscored that the drug problem is emerging as a global phenomenon and Governments need to address its demand and production aspect, especially through correctional measures and not just by using force.

During the meeting, the High Commissioner stated that Bangladesh's on-going generosity towards the displaced Rohingyas was indeed exemplary to many other countries including those from the West. He further appreciated Bangladesh's proactive and responsive engagement with UN Human Rights mechanism.

Minister Anisul Huq appraised the High Commissioner on the difficulties being faced by Bangladesh due to arrival of the forcibly displaced Rohingyas, with special emphasis on the recent significant rise of problems related to drug trafficking and use.

He informed that this has compelled the government to take the initiative to conduct the on-going nation-wide anti-drug operations, as the youths of the country are being hugely and adversely affected by the drug menace.

He mentioned that, while the government was in the process of addressing the issue through correctional measures and of enacting relevant laws and rules, the emergence of armed drug syndicates during the Rohingya influx has forced Government's hands to take stern actions.

This has resulted in many arrests, and unfortunately, some deaths mainly due to the armed resistance by the drug dealers.

Minister Huq is visiting Geneva as the leader of Bangladesh delegation to the on-going 107th International Labour Conference.