Writer Mushtaq Ahmed died on February 25 after he was transferred to a prison hospital for treatment. The authorities have announced they will investigate his death, according to a news release by the UN human rights office (OHCHR) on Monday.
Also read: Panel to probe custodial death of writer Mushtaq
“The Government must ensure that its investigation into Ahmed’s death is prompt, transparent and independent”, Michelle Bachelet, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said.
She urged the authorities to conduct a review of the Digital Security Act, under which Ahmed was charged; suspend its application; and release all those detained under it for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and opinion.
“Various UN human rights bodies have long raised concerns about the ill-defined, overly broad provisions of the Digital Security Act that have been used to punish criticism of the Government”, the High Commissioner said.
Bachelet also voiced concerns at reports that police allegedly used excessive force during protests demanding justice over Mushtaq’s death, with reports that 35 people were injured and seven arrested.
Several arrested under the Act
The High Commissioner also expressed serious concern at allegations that another man detained on similar charges as Ahmed, cartoonist Ahmed Kishore, was subjected to torture or other ill treatment.
She reminded the authorities of their obligation to promptly and effectively investigate the claims and to ensure his safety and well-being.
According to OHCHR, Mr. Ahmed and Mr. Kishore were among 11 individuals arrested in May last year for allegedly spreading misinformation about COVID-19 or criticizing the Government response.
Also read: Youth held under DSA for spreading PM’s distorted image online
The men were repeatedly denied bail and remained in pre-trial detention for nearly nine months before they were officially charged on 20 January this year for posting “propaganda, false or offensive information, and information that could destroy communal harmony and create unrest”, the Office noted.
They were brought before a court on Tuesday last week, where Mr. Kishore alleged that he had been subjected to torture by two Rapid Action Battalion officers, the Office added. According to reports, he appeared visibly injured.
Allegations of abuses ‘a long-standing concern’
The UN rights office also said that allegations of torture and ill-treatment by the Rapid Action Battalion have been a long-standing concern.
The Committee Against Torture, an independent body monitoring the implementation of the Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment, in 2019 recommended the Government of Bangladesh commission an independent inquiry into allegations that members of the unit have carried out torture and other rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, disappearances and extrajudicial killings “as a matter of routine policy”, OHCHR added.
Also read: OECD envoys appalled by Mushtaq's death in custody; demand inquiry, answers