A human rights organisation has called for an independent and impartial investigation into the death of an 18-year-old youth who was shot in the neck during an operation by the Special Response Battalion (SRB) in Dhulpur, Jatrabari, in the capital.
The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) expressed deep concern and sorrow over the death of Maruf, also known as Dukhu Mia, in a statement sent to the media on Thursday (October 29).
According to HRSS, media reports and its own inquiries have revealed serious inconsistencies in officials’ accounts of the incident. While one account claimed that blank shots were fired in self-defence during the operation, officials reportedly denied that any team had been dispatched to the area from an SRB camp. Authorities have also been unable to establish whose gunfire killed Maruf, the organisation said.
HRSS said the victim’s family reported that Maruf went towards a nearby road after hearing a commotion and learned shortly afterwards that he had been shot.
Witnesses reportedly said several individuals identifying themselves as SRB members were handcuffing three people when pieces of brick were thrown at them. Two of the personnel then allegedly opened fire.
The organisation said an independent investigation was essential to resolve the discrepancies and establish the circumstances surrounding the shooting.
It also expressed concern over remarks by the inspector general of police a day earlier, reportedly suggesting that law enforcement personnel were prepared to carry out “crossfire” killings if authorised by the government.
Against Bangladesh’s long history of alleged extrajudicial killings, such remarks are alarming, HRSS said. It also questioned whether meaningful structural reforms and accountability mechanisms had been established following the renaming of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) as the SRB.
The organisation cited Article 32 of Bangladesh’s Constitution and Article 6 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), both of which protect the right to life. It said the use of firearms by law enforcement agencies must meet strict standards of necessity and proportionality under international principles.
HRSS stressed that the state was responsible for ensuring prompt, effective and impartial investigations into deaths during law enforcement operations, as well as holding those responsible accountable.
The rights group called for an independent investigation conducted outside the force concerned, with the findings made public. It also urged authorities to preserve and examine ballistic test results, autopsy reports, CCTV footage, call records and operational documents.
The organisation further called for the temporary removal of personnel involved in the operation from relevant duties to protect the investigation’s impartiality. It urged authorities to take legal action based on the family’s allegations and ensure the safety of relatives and witnesses.
HRSS also demanded that those responsible be brought to justice and that the victim’s family receive appropriate compensation and effective remedies.
Other recommendations included the withdrawal of statements suggesting extrajudicial killings, clear rules governing operations by plainclothes personnel, identification requirements and the use of firearms, as well as structural reforms, independent oversight and effective accountability within the SRB.
Protecting the right to life, upholding the rule of law and ensuring accountability among law enforcement agencies are essential to preventing similar incidents, the organisation said.
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