Attempted Abduction of ASK Director | Human Rights Defender | Nur Khan Bangladesh

May 15, 2014 - Abduction by Law Enforcement, Enforced Disappearance, Slider - no comments

Citizen’s Statement Regarding

Nur Khan (Liton), Director Ain o Salish Kendra

Nur Khan (Liton), Ain o Salish Kendra

15 May 2014 ASK sent an international communication regarding the abduction attempt of Human Rights Defender, Mr. Nur Khan in Bangladesh.

Nur Khan is the Director (investigation) of Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK),

At around 5.10pm Nur Khan left ASK office (7/17, Block B, Lalmatia, Dhaka 1207). He got a rikshaw (manually paddled three wheeler) with another colleague, they were just a few yards away from the office when a white micro bus obstructed his rickshaw

Being suspicious,Nur Khan quickly got down from the rickshaw and ran back to ASK office. His colleague noticed 5/6 people aged around 30 inside the micro bus.

Mr. Nur Khan is a prominent Human Rights Defender. Along with his organization, he was always very vocal against the Human Rights violations by the Law enforcement agencies. Recently, he observed someone always following him on a motorbike and even inquiring about his movements at the office reception.

On sensing insecurity earlier on 20 April Nur Khan filed a General Diary with Mohammadpur Police Station (No 1557 of 20/04/2014). After today’s incident, he has filed another GD (No 1250 of 15/05/2014, )

The incident has been reported in the online edition of the local media.

Click to view following links : Daily Star Article, Independent Article

Nur Khan Speaking regarding the Annual Human Rights Overview Report on

31 December 2013 in a Press Conference [Bengali] [Article in English]

Presenting a summary of the report at a press conference yesterday, ASK acting executive director Nur Khan said people’s rights were being curbed due the government. He also criticised the random arrests of “innocent” people during security drives.

“In the name of security, people are being arrested indiscriminately – political leaders are arrested and released after two hours – which is a matter of great concern. Unless political negotiations take place, extremism, armed political organisations, or any other third force may arise,” Nur Khan said.