NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION January 25, 2011. There the elderly disabled patient was subjected to “danda beri” (or “bar fetters” -- two long iron rods ringed together at one end to fasten to the groin with two separate rings at the other end to tie up the ankles as a method of torture) and remained in the prison hospital for one month, his physical condition deteriorating every day. The complaint filed by Nirmola requested that her husband be released from the Central Jail in order to receive proper treatment for danda beri. The NHRC took the case into cognizance and sent a letter on February 13, 2011 to the IG of the prison directing him to free Mr. Nironjon for the purpose of adequate treatment for the effects of danda beri. Finally, on March 7, 2011, the Commission received a report that Mr. Nironjon had recovered and was now under better treatment in PG Hospital prison cell in Dhaka. IGP pursues investigation of police abuse of Dhaka University student A national newspaper reported on July 28, 2011 that Abdul Kader, a student of Dhaka University, was arrested and brutally tortured by police, after which police filed a case against him for robbery. The student was then taken to Dhaka Central Jail. The NHRC took the case suo moto and directed the IGP to inquire into the matter as early as possible and to submit a report by August 2, 2011. The IGP responded to the Commission by forming an investigation committee, which conducted and inquiry and prepared a report on the matter. On December 11, 2011, the Commission received a report from IGP that Abdul Kader was innocent and that S.I. Md. Shahidur Rahman had been suspended for his role in the abuse. Police headquarters also filled departmental proceedings against the police officers involved. Being released and proven innocent, victim Abdul Kader filed a case against the concerned police officers. The case is at trial and the officer- in-charge is in custody. NHRC intervenes in high-profile case of shooting of teenager by RAB On April 6, 2011, Prothom Alo reported news of “extreme police brutality” involving a 16 year-old youth, Limon Hossain, who was shot in the leg by a RAB officer. Limon is the youngest son of day labourer Mr. Toafzzal Hossain and lives in the village of Saturia, Rajapur Upazilla, Jalakhati District. On March 23, 2011, according to the article, Limon Hossain was bringing the family’s cows home from the field, when on the way a team of RAB-8 stops him to and ask his name. Limon identified himself as a student but one RAB officer shoots him in the leg without any provocation. Later, the RAB-8 claimed he was a suspect in a crime and they filed two cases against him. The Commission took the case suo moto and directed the Home Ministry to establish a “high standard” committee to investigate the matter and submit a report to the Commission as early as possible. Since receiving direction from the NHRC, the Home Ministry has formed a committee but still a report yet not been submitted. However, the NHRC secured legal assistance for the family in defending Limon from the case filed against him by RAB and continues to monitor the situation. Later, a leading NGO, Ain O Salish Kendra, filed a writ petition to High Court where NHRC also took part. As a result, public support has spread throughout the country for Limon, and one of the cases against him has been dropped. Fortunately, Limon has been able to sit for his Higher Secondary School Exam, and is trying to return to some type of normal life. Special recommendation regarding law enforcement personnel: Although many of the Commission’s interventions have re s u l te d i n p o s i t i ve o u tco m e s fo r complainants, much more remains to be done, particularly in the area of abuse by law enforcement agencies. In light of the cases received by the Commission in 2011, in addition to the recommendations set forth in Chapter 6, the NHRC strongly urges that all 35