Major (retired) Sinha Mohammad Rashed Khan was shot dead by Liaqat Ali, an inspector of police and in-charge of the Baharchhara Police Investigation Center, at around 9:30 pm on 31 July at a police check post at Shamlapur, Baharchhara Union, Teknaf. The Police have claimed that he was shot on suspicion of robbery. This incident has once again brought to the fore the image of what is actually happening in the name of so-called ‘gunfight’. Ain o Salish Kendra(ASK) strongly urges to ensure proper investigation and trial of every such incident, including the killing of Rashed Khan, to establish the rule of law, transparency and accountability within the forces in the country.

According to media reports, the Prime Minister has assured the family of the deceased of aproper investigation and trial. The committee that was formed to investigate the incident hasofficially started its investigation from 4 August. ASK hopes that the inquiry committee willissue a formal investigation report within the stipulated time and that those involved in thekillings will be brought to justice. At the same time, ASK thinks, this is not an isolated incident,but part of the long-running culture of extrajudicial killings in the name of so-called gunfight.Allegations of such killings are regularly being published in the media. According to ASK’sstatistics, 184 people have been victims of "gunfights" this year. In most cases, families and eye-witnesses complained of extrajudicial killing, not gunfight. It is time to look into these long-standing allegations. These sensitive allegations have repeatedly called into question the rule oflaw in the country; therefore, the government must take immediate action to bring out the truepicture and pave the way for the establishment of justice. According to the fundamental rights ofthe constitution, such killings are punishable crimes. The police or law enforcement agenciesshould protect the people; but if they become such a symbol of terror because of such activities,it will be an ominous sign for the country. People demand an end to this.

ASK has always said that in order to establish the rule of law in the country and transparency andaccountability within the forces, it is very important to ensure proper investigation and trial ofevery such incident. We have seen the murder of Councilor Ekramul before. The fact is that notmuch progress has been seen in the trial of these cases. ASK urges the government to take urgentsteps to ensure a fair and impartial investigation and trial of these incidents, irrespective ofwhether it is named as gunfight or encounter. Besides, ASK also urges to not harass the twostudents who were with Rashed Khan. ASK will be by their side by providing legal assistance.