Humane order, humanity and human rights
Dr. Forqan Uddin Ahmed :
Human rights are the rights that are ensured by the state in line with the standard of the international instruments and national policies outlined in line with that. They are commonly understood as inalienable fundamental rights to which a person is inherently entitled simply because of being a human being, and which are latent in all human beings irrespective of their nation, location, language, religion, ethnic origin or any other status. There is no standard parameter for the Human Rights. Still there is the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) which offers the guidelines for the establishment of human rights throughout the world. The Constitution of Bangladesh is the principle guideline for the behavior of the dignity all the Bangladeshi citizens. Human rights have been highlighted throughout the constitution. Although the rights have been guaranteed throughout the constitution but they are violated frequently in different levels. The concept of human rights in general is very vague in Bangladesh. Even the educated people are not sure about the human rights. So it can be easily assumed that how much the illiterate people will know the aspects of human rights and flourish that accordingly. The basic human rights in Bangladesh are subject to extreme severity in different regions and in different groups.
We have had record of frequent murder of political activist, students, businessmen, women and other, committed by terror-striking ferocious people and musclemen as they are called. Numerous bomb explosion cases and acid throws have rocked the patriotic fervor of the nation. With such a long list of legacies of violence, it is perhaps not an easy case for any government to eradicate violence which is in the very nature of humans in some degree or other. Appropriate and adequate short-term and long-term measures and collective effort of law enforcement authorities, courts, civil society, journalists and news media, educational institutions, labor unions, political leaders and activists, cultural groups, youths, men and women etc. can keep violence under reasonable control, thereby making creative and productive activities possible to keep the nation on its development track. Since violence is man-made, we are of the opinion that it is humanly possible to control it by effective and adequate preventive and curative measure. And for this, the government would do well to form a galaxy of police administrators, social workers, women organizations, NGO leaders, civil society leaders, lawyers, judges, magistrates, academy authorities, journalists, educationists and political leaders of all complexions and constitute a grand ‘task force’ to study why it is not possible for ‘Police, Court and Academies’ to move effectively and demonstrate that they are equal to the challenge of violent crime and disorder. Moreover, we have the Political violence in Bangladesh is a variegated phenomenon. In democracy, it has been considered as a sign of an immature or even immoral political class. In our study, we are trying to offer a clearer basis to discuss this issue. We have prepared basic data on the prevalence of political violence, its regional distribution, the actors involved and the specific shape of hartal violence for the period 2002-2013. Besides, Elections, extra judicial killings and US sanction of inhuman torture and undemocratic exercises against press freedom, money laundering are some focal points of violence against state. Even if you discount this kind of big events there are a lot of different causes for everyday violence. It might be over position in the party, intra-party conflict, possession over properties, tender and other day-to-day life events. You have also ultra-left wing groups. You have CHT. There is no simple answer to the question. Violence against women covers physical violence, sexual harassment, acid attack, murder, rape, etc. Rape is one of the most brutal violence against women, which often leads to murder.
Bangladesh has graduated to a developing country from a less developed country. Bangladesh is one of the top 10 countries in the world GDP ranking. But it is concerning that most assets are being treasured up by few people. Majority people are deprived of getting development facilities, what is violation of fundamental rights. Anti-Social activities are generated among the youth and they indulge in nonsense breaking the norms and values of society. Many of the political leaders are exploiting and harassing the people by abusing the power. This creates anarchy and environment of intolerance in society. Even many untoward incidents happen which are violation of human rights, civilization and culture.
However, time has come for all the people in the country to combat violence against women. There is no strong alternative to social protection. People have to be made aware that the complex issue of women’s right is connected to human right in the complex socio-cultural, political and economic culture of Bangladesh. To conclude, it seems the best way to reduce violence is to improve security for ordinary citizens, promote freedom of expression and tolerance of competing views in all spheres, pass laws that make discriminatory intent behind a crime heavily punishable, and above all cultivate strong nationalistic pride and love for the country that once was earned by the promise of sanctity of life and liberty for all.
(The writer is former Deputy Director General, Bangladesh
Ansar and VDP).
