Odhikar’s Network Meeting in Sylhet: Injustice and Misconduct on the Rise Due to a Lack of Accountability

Photo Caption : Anas Habib Kolins, focal person of Odhikar Sylhet, speaking at the meeting.

Staff Reporter : A network meeting organized by human rights organization Odhikar said that unless journalists and human rights defenders can ensure their own rights and safety, it will be difficult for them to work to protect the rights of others. They also observed that injustice and misconduct are increasing in society due to the lack of accountability and justice.

The meeting, titled “Human Rights Defender and Survivor Anti-Torture Network,” was held today (Tuesday) at an upscale hotel in Taltola, Sylhet city, with the participation of human rights defenders and survivors of human rights violations. The event was organized by Odhikar in collaboration with Dignity.

Speakers emphasized the need to raise their voices against all forms of torture and discrimination to ensure that no one can become a fascist again. They also expressed frustration that the aspirations of those who participated in the July Movement, driven by their hopes for the peace and well-being of the people, have yet to be fulfilled.

They further said that many people who were shot or injured during the July Movement are still not receiving proper medical treatment. They are not being given adequate attention by doctors or hospitals. Although some grassroots activists who actively participated in the July Movement have been recognized and included in the official government gazette as “July Warriors,” a large number of others remain deprived of such recognition. The speakers called on the state to take appropriate measures in this regard.

The network meeting was chaired by journalist Anas Habib Kolins, focal person of Odhikar Sylhet.

Participants in the open discussion included Mainul Islam, a central BNP leader and former personal assistant to former MP and missing BNP leader M. Ilias Ali; journalist and human rights activist Shuaibul Islam; Faizur Rahman; Abdul Hannan; Main Uddin; Lokman Ahmed; H.M. Shahidul Islam; Abdul Basit Milan; Rahman Faruk; Abdullah Al Noman; M.A. Wahid Chowdhury; July Warriors Labib Ahmed and Javed Ahmed; injured July Warriors Ukil Ali and Nazmul Islam; and students Hasnul Abir and Tasnia Chowdhury Swarna.