ASK expresses deep concern over flogging, unlawful fines in Noakhali 'salish', demands legal action
ASK stated that no individual, community elder, or non-judicial local body has the authority to impose corporal punishment or fines outside the formal justice system
The Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern and condemnation over an incident of whipping and imposing fines in the name of salish (village arbitration) in Noakhali's Hatiya upazila, calling for swift legal action against those responsible.
According to media reports, on 26 November 2025, a group of influential locals in Ward 9 of Burirchar Union assaulted the bride's and groom's families over the use of loudspeakers at a wedding ceremony.
During a so-called salish, they publicly beat members of both families and administered 15 lashes to each person as "punishment." They also imposed fines of Tk30,000, and when the families failed to pay, they allegedly seized an autorickshaw belonging to the groom's side, an act ASK described as completely illegal and unacceptable.
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In a press statement issued yesterday (27 November), ASK stated that no individual, community elder, or non-judicial local body has the authority to impose corporal punishment or fines outside the formal justice system. The organisation noted that Articles 31, 32 and 35(5) of the Constitution guarantee citizens' protection of law, personal liberty, and freedom from cruel, inhuman or degrading punishment.
Inflicting physical torture, enforcing arbitrary fines, or seizing property to compel payment constitutes a direct violation of the Constitution and the country's existing laws.
ASK further pointed out that the High Court has repeatedly ruled that village salish bodies or any informal arbitration mechanisms cannot impose physical punishment or fines, and that such practices are illegal and unconstitutional.
The rights organisation urged the authorities to conduct an impartial investigation and take immediate legal action against all individuals involved. It also called for ensuring the safety of the victims and providing redress for the humiliation and violence they endured.
ASK appealed to the local administration to enforce the High Court's directives more strictly, ensuring that illegal salish, corporal punishment and forced fines are prevented, so that no individual or group dares to engage in such unlawful acts in the future.
