The Human Rights Support Society (HRSS) on Thursday demanded an independent investigation into the death of an 18-year-old youth who was shot in the neck during an operation by the Special Response Battalion (SRB) in Dhulpur, Jatrabari, in the capital.
The deceased, Maruf, also known as Dukhu Mia, died after being shot during the operation.
The HRSS, in a statement sent to the media, expressed deep concern over the incident, citing serious inconsistencies between media reports and statements made by officials during its own inquiry.
While police officials claimed that blank shots were fired in self-defence during the operation, an SRB camp denied sending any team to the area. Officials concerned also failed to confirm whose gunfire killed Maruf, HRSS said.
According to the victim’s family, Maruf went to a nearby road after hearing the sound of a commotion. They learned shortly afterwards that he had been shot.
Eyewitnesses told HRSS that several individuals identifying themselves as members of SRB were handcuffing three people when pieces of brick were thrown at them. Two members then opened fire, according to the accounts cited by the organisation.
HRSS said an impartial investigation was essential to resolve the discrepancies and establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
The organisation also raised concerns over remarks made by the inspector general of police a day before the incident, when he reportedly said that police were prepared to carry out “crossfire” if the government gave permission.
Against the backdrop of Bangladesh’s long history of extrajudicial killings, such remarks were concerning, HRSS said, questioning whether the renaming of RAB as SRB had been accompanied by meaningful structural reforms and effective accountability mechanisms.
"The state is responsible for ensuring effective, impartial and prompt investigations into deaths resulting from law enforcement operations, as well as accountability for those responsible", the statement said.
HRSS called for an independent investigation conducted outside the force concerned, with the findings made public. It also demanded that ballistic test results, autopsy reports, CCTV footage, call records and operational documents be preserved and examined.
The organisation further urged authorities to temporarily withdraw personnel involved in the operation from their relevant duties to protect the impartiality of the investigation.
It called for legal action based on the family's allegations, protection for family members and eyewitnesses, and adequate compensation and effective remedies for the victim's family if those responsible were brought to justice.