3.3 Highlighting Important Interventions
NHRC stands up for Jahalam
Jahalam, a 32 year old man was wrongfully
imprisoned for three years despite being innocent. Jahalam had been languishing in jail since
February 2016 in corruption cases instead of
real accused. He was released from Kashimpur
central jail-2 in Gazipur following a High Court
order. He was arrested in cases filed by the
Anti-corruption Commission for misappropriating huge amount of money from Sonali
Bank, while Abu Salek is the actual accused.
The matter was made public by a television channel (Channel 24). The Reporter Arif (Journalist who
disclosed this matter) and Jahalam's brother Shahnur came to NHRC and lodged complaint. NHRC
Chairman immediately visited Kashimpur Jail where Jahalam was imprisoned and NHRC team investigated the case. NHRC found that the allegation of wrong imprisonment was true and sent report to
Anti-corruption Commission. NHRC chairman also talked to the chairman of Anti-Corruption Commission in this regard. NHRC gave free legal aid to Jahalam. Due to media reports and NHRC's initiatives
finally hon'ble High Court ordered for Jahalam’s liberty. He was acquitted from all the allegations.
After freeing from Jail, Jahalam came to NHRC and expressed his gratitude for all the supports. NHRC
chairman KaziReazul Hoque told that NHRC will assist Jahalam in getting compensation from state and
will pursue for his employment.
NHRC raised voice against BUET student Abrar Murder
The brutal killing of BUET student Abrar by his university mates who are involved in student politics
created mass protest in & outside the country this year. This brutal crime occurred immediately after the
new commission was appointed. In the beginning of the first Commission meeting of the 5th and new
commission, all members kept silence for one minute to mourn Abrar’s death and discussed the matter
with high priority. NHRC raised voice against this murder and sent recommendations to concerned
authorities to ensure exemplary punishments to all the perpetrators as soon as possible. The Commission also appreciated the bold comments and steps taken by hon’ble Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina
against this incidence.
Probe Committee on Suicide of Liza in front of Police Station in Rajshahi
In September 2019, media reported that Liza Rahman, an 18-year-old HSC student of Rajshahi Women’s Government College set herself on fire after stepping out of Shah Makhdum police station in
Rajshahi. The incident occurred an hour after she went to the police station, seeking legal assistance to
protect her marriage. NHRC formed four-member committee to probe into the matter. The Committee
was headed by Al Mahmud FaizulKabir, Director (Complaint & Inquiry) and included a member from
local administration and an official from Directorate of Women Affairs. NHRC sent recommendations
to concerned authority based on the report submitted by the Committee.
NHRC strongly condemns the death of women migrant worker
Media reported that a migrant worker Abiron Begum (40) of Khulna’s Paikgachha beaten to death in
Saudi Arab by her employer in October this year. Her sister alleged that when she spoke with her sister
Abiron used to describe abuse that she faced at the hands of her employers. Abiron said to her sister,
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