The death of farmer Nikhil Talukder (32) in Kotalipara, Gopalganj, who was allegedly tortured by police, has been settled through the assurance of giving a job to Nikhil’s wife, Iti Talukder, and Nikhil’s younger brother, Montu Talukder. This decision was taken during a Salish meeting in the area. Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) expresses grave concern over such a settlement. ASK thinks, such an incident will be an impediment to the rule of law and the establishment of justice.

According to media sources, on 6 June 2020, a Salish meeting was held at the Kotalipara UpazilaChairman's office on the incident of Nikhil’s death. Upazila Chairman Bimal Krishna Biswas, Municipal Mayor Haji Kamal Hossain Sheikh, former Upazila Chairman Mujibur RahmanHawlader and others were present in the Salish meeting. During this time Nikhil's family was given two lakh taka and it was further decided that the remaining three lakh will be given within the next 5-6 days. It is to be noted that according to media sources, no regular case has been filed yet for Nikhil's death. Reportedly Nikhil's body was buried on 4 July without an autopsy. Although a departmental inquiry committee has been set up to probe the incident, such settlements during the committee's investigation seem like an attempt to conceal facts.

ASK demands legal action against those involved in the settlement as, under conventional law, such allegations of death or torture cannot be settled or resolved through Salish. ASK demands regular murder case to be filed in this incident. Besides, ASK thinks that there have been frequent allegations of torture and killings against the law enforcement agencies and proper investigation into such incidents is vital in terms of ensuring their accountability and maintaining the confidence of the public in them. ASK strongly believes that rather than a mere departmental inquiry into Nikhil’s death, it is necessary to form a neutral investigation committee to ensure a fair and impartial investigation in order to uphold Bangladesh's constitutional, national and international human rights commitments. ASK strongly demands to ensure legal punishment of the involved police personnel through the neutral investigation as well as to ensure security and compensation to Nikhil's family.

Can’t see? Click here to open PDF file.