Urgent Appeal: Justice for Hriday Rabi Das

Urgent Appeal: Allegations of Torture and Custodial Death by Bangladesh Army – Justice for Hriday Rabi Das

Picture (courtesy HRCBM): Hriday Rabi Das, a 21-year-old Hindu barber from the marginalized Das (Dalit) community, whose life was tragically cut short following alleged torture while in Bangladesh Army custody. His death symbolizes the systemic violence and oppression faced by minorities in Bangladesh. Justice must prevail for Hriday and all vulnerable communities.

Details about the custodial killing of Hriday are available at HRCBM website. Dear Colleagues, On behalf of the Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM), we urgently reach out to seek your support in addressing the custodial death of Hriday Rabi Das, a 21-year-old Hindu barber from the marginalized Das (Dalit) community in Bangladesh. This case highlights serious allegations of torture and abuse by the Bangladesh Army, reflecting a troubling pattern of systemic violence and state complicity targeting religious and ethnic minorities in the country. Incident Overview: On November 15, 2024, Hriday Rabi Das was apprehended by local individuals, including Muslim clerics, who physically assaulted him over an alleged relationship with a Muslim girl. He was subsequently handed over to the Karimganj Army Camp, where, according to multiple testimonies, he endured severe torture. Later that night, Hriday was transferred to Abdul Hamid Medical College Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Medical reports reveal signs of extensive physical abuse, corroborating allegations of custodial torture at the hands of the Army. Key Issues: Custodial Torture and Death: Testimonies and evidence strongly suggest that Hriday’s death resulted from severe torture inflicted by Bangladesh Army personnel while in custody, violating Bangladesh’s obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture and other international human rights frameworks. Family Intimidation: Hriday’s family has reported implicit intimidation by local authorities and Army personnel since his death. A request by HRCBM to hold a vigil in his memory was met with subtle warnings from the Army, leaving the family isolated and fearful. Systemic Impunity: Despite the family identifying perpetrators involved in Hriday’s initial assault, the police report deliberately omits their names, reflecting a broader pattern of state-sponsored impunity. This aligns with other recent incidents of military involvement in minority-targeted violence, including attacks during Durga Puja in Dhaka and military-led brutality in Chittagong. Vulnerability of Minorities: Hriday’s case exemplifies the entrenched vulnerabilities faced by Bangladesh’s minorities, including the Dalit community, who remain disproportionately affected by systemic discrimination, violence, and state inaction. Our Appeal to You: We kindly urge your organization to: Raise Awareness: Amplify the case of Hriday Rabi Das and other incidents of violence against minorities in Bangladesh through your networks and platforms. Demand Accountability: Advocate for an independent investigation into Hriday’s custodial death and other cases of military abuse, ensuring justice for the victims and their families. Support Minority Rights: Collaborate with us to pressure the Government of Bangladesh to address systemic discrimination, protect vulnerable communities, and uphold its obligations under international human rights laws. Strengthen Monitoring Efforts: Partner in establishing a robust mechanism to document and report ongoing human rights abuses against minorities, ensuring transparency and international scrutiny. Hriday’s custodial death is not an isolated tragedy but part of a systemic crisis affecting Bangladesh’s minorities. Together, we can work to end these injustices, protect vulnerable communities, and hold perpetrators accountable. We look forward to your solidarity and support in seeking justice for Hriday Rabi Das and countless others facing similar oppression. Please do not hesitate to contact us for further information or collaboration. In solidarity, Dhiman Chowdhury President Human Rights Congress for Bangladesh Minorities (HRCBM)