ASK condemns looting, demolition of AL leader’s house in Patuakhali

Highlights:

• Rights body cites constitutional and international legal protections.
• Calls for impartial investigation and measures to prevent recurrence.

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has condemned the alleged looting, bulldozing, and arson attack on the house of activities-banned Awami League leader and former union parishad chairman Kazi Mizanur Rahman in Patuakhali’s Mirzaganj upazila, saying the incident represents a serious violation of the rule of law.

In a statement issued today (19 July), the rights organisation said a group of people allegedly attacked Mizanur’s residence in Madhabkhali union in the early hours of 17 July, looting valuables before demolishing parts of the house with a bulldozer and setting it on fire.

Citing media reports, ASK said the victim’s family had accused several local BNP leaders and activists of involvement in the attack.

Those named in the allegations have denied any involvement, the organisation added.

ASK said any allegation against an individual or group must be addressed through due legal and judicial processes.

It said demolishing a person’s home, looting property, or setting fire to a residence without a court order or lawful procedure is unlawful and contrary to the principles of the rule of law.

“Regardless of political identity or ideology, protecting every citizen’s life, property, and security is the constitutional responsibility of the state,” the rights body said.

ASK also expressed concern that organised incidents of vandalism, looting, and arson have continued even after an elected government assumed office, saying such incidents raise serious questions about the rule of law, public safety, and the effectiveness of law enforcement agencies.

Allowing individuals or groups to take the law into their own hands would foster a culture of impunity and create fear and insecurity in society, it added.

Referring to Articles 27 and 31 of the Constitution, ASK said every citizen is entitled to equal protection under the law.

The organisation also cited Article 17 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which recognises the right to own property and prohibits arbitrary deprivation of property, as well as Article 12, which protects individuals from unlawful interference with their home and private life.

The attack is a matter of serious concern in light of both constitutional guarantees and international human rights standards, the statement said.

ASK urged the authorities to conduct an immediate, impartial and effective investigation into the incident and take necessary measures to prevent similar attacks in the future.