ASK condemns attack, mob violence at Jasad office

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has condemned the alleged attack, mob violence, and physical assault of political activists during a pre-scheduled central representatives’ meeting at the Jatiya Samajtantrik Dal (Jasad) office in Gulistan, as well as the subsequent detention of 289 people.

In a statement issued today (27 September), the rights organisation expressed “deep concern and strong condemnation” over the incident on 26 September.

According to media reports, police raided the Jasad central office and detained 289 people, saying they had received information that leaders and activists of the Awami League and its affiliated organisations had gathered there.

Jasad, however, said in a statement that the gathering was its pre-scheduled central representatives’ meeting and that the relevant police officials had been informed about the programme beforehand.

The party also alleged that a large number of Bangladesh Jatiotabadi Jubo Dal leaders and activists entered the office during the meeting, created a mob and physically assaulted its leaders and activists.

ASK said creating a mob to disrupt a pre-scheduled meeting at a political party’s office and physically assaulting political activists in the presence of police were unacceptable. 

The organisation said it was particularly concerned by live television footage that appeared to show senior Jubo Dal leaders creating a mob and making provocative statements.

It said Article 37 of Bangladesh’s Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, while Article 38 recognises the freedom of association.

The rights are also recognised under international law, with Articles 21 and 22 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) guaranteeing the rights to peaceful assembly and freedom of association, respectively, ASK said.

“These rights are among the fundamental foundations of political participation and freedom of expression in a democratic society,” it said.

ASK also described Jasad as a longstanding political party in Bangladesh and stressed that pluralism is an important feature of democracy.

It said peaceful organisational activities by any political party should be respected unless the party is prohibited by law.

“Such an attack and mob violence during a pre-scheduled meeting at a political party’s own office not only undermines the rights of the concerned party but also sets a worrying precedent for the country’s democratic political space,” ASK said.

The organisation called for a prompt, impartial and transparent investigation into the allegations of the attack, mob violence and assault at the Jasad office.

It also urged authorities to review all relevant information, including video footage broadcast by the media, and bring anyone involved in attacks, incitement, violence or taking the law into their own hands to justice, regardless of their political affiliation.