STATEMENT on the 3rd Anniversary of Aminul Islam’s Disappearance, Torture and Extrajudicial Killing

It’s been three years after the brutal torture and murder of Aminul Islam and the climate of impunity continues in Bangladesh.

The Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD) deeply condemns the murder of Aminul Islam, a human rights defender who helped garment factory workers demand their basic human rights and challenge the unjust system.

Abducted, Aminul Islam was brutally tortured and murdered as a direct result of his work to improve the working conditions for Bangladeshi garment workers. Apparently, this form of human rights violation sent a direct clear message to those working in the industry of what their future would hold if they attempt to exercise their labor rights and make demands for humane and better working conditions.

Enhancing Capacities

• Concept Note: Capacity Building Program of AFAD

• Program: AFAD and its Campaigns

• Seminar-Workshop on Gender and Development

Open Letter Urging an Immediate Investigation into the Disappearance of Mr. Salah Uddin

We, the Asian Federation Against Involuntary Disappearances (AFAD), would like to express our deep concern over the disappearance of Mr. Salah Uddin on the evening of March 10, 2015. Uddin is the joint secretary general and spokesperson of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party.

According to Salah Uddin’s wife, Hasina Ahmed, a group of plainclothes policemen identified as members of the Detective Branch barged into a relative’s apartment in Uttara Sector-3 around 10:15 on Tuesday night. The policemen tied up the house helper who was present at the time and handcuffed Salah Uddin before whisking him away to one of the vehicles parked outside the apartment building.

Ashiq Bukhari revelations must lead to criminal accountability

Today, it was reported, that ex-SSP Ashiq Bukhari had made unequivocal and strong allegations against ex-Chief Minister, Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah. First, that on hearing of the 2010 arrest of Muslim League leader Masarat Alam, Omar Abdullah asked on phone why he had been arrested and not bumped off. Second, that in addition to the official Rs. 10 lacs given to Ashiq Bukhari, an additional Rs. 15 lacs were given by Omar Abdullah “from his own pocket” Third, that Omar Abdullah had paid him Rs. 1.5 crore four times by cheque for outstanding work.