NHRC condemns sexual violence against two Marma sisters

The National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh has taken suo moto notice of media reports alleging that two Marma (Indigenous community) sisters were sexually abused by law enforcement officers in Bilaichory, Rangamati, on 24 January 2018.

The Commission has requested the Deputy Commissioner of Rangamati to investigate the matter and send a report by 26 February 2018.

Commission Member Banchita Chakma met the girls at Rangamati Sadar Hospital, where they were undergoing treatment, and took their testimony over the incident.

According to media reports, the High Court had directed the hospital to place the girls in the custody of their father. However, when their father attended the hospital with the court order, the sisters refused to go with him as they were afraid for their security.

However, the hospital's Civil Surgeon of the hospital worked with handed over the girls' custody to their parents and after that they were traceless.

Commission Chairperson Kazi Reazul Hoque expressed deep concern on this incidence. Following a special Commission meeting on 18 February 2018, he formed a three-member team to prepare a report within seven working days after visiting the town and taking the testimonies of witnesses.

He also issued a notice to the Ministry of Home Affairs to prepare a report on how the identity of the two victims was revealed on SP, Rangamati's Facebook page.

The Chairperson said the Commission would take all the necessary steps to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Date: 26 February 2018

Source: National Human Rights Commission of Bangladesh