The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

Odhikar, a local human rights watchdog demanded of the Government to lift the state of emergency to secure human rights in the country.

In its new annual report of 2007 released yesterday, the watchdog said alleged torture in the custody of different security agencies was one of the main concerns in the past year.

Odhikar disclosed the report at the National Press Club, where speakers also demanded a fear-free environment and election to reinstate people's basic rights curtailed at present because of the state of emergency.

A total of 184 people died at the hands of various security agencies last year, according to the report of Odhikar.

Of those, 130 people were killed during so-called "cross fire/gun fights/encounters," the report said.

The Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) topped the list with 94 deaths, while 64 people died at the hands of police.

Moreover, seven others died at the hands of joint forces, the army was responsible for another seven and the navy for three deaths, said the report.

The watchdog highlighting the harassment of journalists by joint forces/security officials during the curfew in August 2007 reported that 'joint forces' and the government had intimidated the press.

In 2007, at least 35 journalists were injured while carrying out their professional duties, while 13 journalists were arrested, reported Odhikar.

Prof AAMS Arefin Siddique said the people's freedom of expression and views could be curtailed by imposing restrictions on the media.

Rashed Khan Manon said the government had no other responsibilities other than holding the election now.

Besides, Forhad Mazhar, Kazi Zafarullah, secretary of Odhikar Adilur Rahman Khan, Editor of the Daily New Age Nurul Kabir, Dr Dipu Moni and BNP leader Major (Retd) Akhtaruzzaman, among others, were present at the report launching meeting chaired by former secretary Asafuddoula.