Dhaka, April 29: The United Nations Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Edwards, has raised alarms regarding the lack of an ‘A-status’ national human rights commission in Bangladesh and the absence of a national prevention mechanism to curb torture in custody.
During an advisory meeting held at the Holiday Inn in Dhaka, she emphasized that violence is deeply entrenched and systematically prevalent in the country.
The meeting aimed to strengthen the framework for preventing torture and enhancing accountability in Bangladesh. It was organized collaboratively by the Bangladesh Legal Aid Services Trust, the Association for the Prevention of Torture, the International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims, and REDRESS.
Edwards, who is currently on a week-long study visit to Bangladesh, noted that while the country has a robust legal framework, its supportive structures are inadequate. This information was reported by Bangladesh’s leading newspaper, The Daily Star.
She explained that the legal framework includes a constitutional ban on torture, ratification of the Convention Against Torture, and legislation enacted in 2013 that criminalizes torture. However, she pointed out that the most significant shortcoming is the absence of an ‘A-status’ national human rights commission that meets the standards of the Global Alliance of National Human Rights Institutions. Strong safeguards in police custody are essential to prevent torture.
Edwards highlighted that individuals in custody should be informed of their status, have the right to meet with a lawyer, undergo medical examinations, and have their interactions recorded via audio and video. They should also be presented in court promptly.
She further stated that judges are not exempt from this responsibility; they must not overlook instances of torture or send individuals to overcrowded and violent prisons. There is a pressing need for independent entities to investigate cases of torture in custody. Such investigations must be swift and impartial, free from any influence by the guilty parties.
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