'Mob attack' on ex-CEC Nurul Huda: 30 eminent citizens condemn assault, urge govt action
The citizens also criticised what they described as a passive role of law enforcement and the interim government, stating that this inaction is eroding the rule of law and violating the human rights
Thirty eminent citizens have strongly condemned the recent mob attack on former chief election commissioner (CEC) KM Nurul Huda and called for swift legal action against those responsible.
In a joint statement today (25 June), they termed the assault on the former CEC a serious violation of human rights.
The citizens also criticised what they described as a passive role of law enforcement and the interim government, stating that this inaction is eroding the rule of law and violating the human rights and dignity of citizens on a daily basis.
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The incident occurred on 22 June, when a group of individuals forcibly entered Nurul Huda's residence in Uttara, dragged him outside, and subjected him to physical harassment before handing him over to the police.
The citizens said the attack was not only illegal but also deeply alarming in a country that upholds the rule of law.
They demanded the immediate identification and punishment of those involved, emphasising that taking the law into one's own hands, regardless of the allegations, is both a criminal offense and unconstitutional.
The statement also called for a fair investigation into any accusations against Nurul Huda, ensuring accountability through due process and justice.
The signatories expressed grave concern over the increasing trend of mob violence in Bangladesh since the July uprising.
They noted that such incidents have been occurring in Dhaka and across other districts, with little to no legal consequences for the perpetrators.
They also warned that the failure to take strict legal action sets a dangerous precedent, allowing mob justice to take root in society.
The signatories of the statement include Sultana Kamal, founding president of the Foundation for Human Rights Culture; Khushi Kabir, coordinator of Nijera Kori; Iftekharuzzaman, executive director of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB); Shireen Parveen Huq, founding member of Naripokkho; Rasheda K Choudhury, executive director of Campaign for Popular Education (CAMPE); Shaheen Anam, executive director of Manusher Jonno Foundation; senior Supreme Court lawyer ZI Khan Panna; photographer Shahidul Alam; Dr Naila Zaman Khan, director of Clinical Neuroscience Centre and Bangladesh Disability Foundation; writer and researcher Rahnuma Ahmed; Shamsul Huda, executive director of Association for Land Reform and Development (ALRD); Salma Ali, executive director of Bangladesh National Women Lawyers' Association (BNWLA); Dhaka University faculty members Samina Luthfa, Zobaida Nasreen, Sumaiya Khair, Robayet Ferdous, and Tasnim Siraj Mahbub; Khairul Chowdhury; BRAC University professor Firdaus Azim; Rezaul Karim Chowdhury, executive director of COAST Trust; lawyer Subrata Chowdhury; Zakir Hossain, chief executive of Nagorik Uddyog; Saidur Rahman, executive director of the Manobadhikar Shongskriti Foundation; human rights activist Sayed Ahmed AlWadaei; researcher Rezaur Rahman Lenin; human rights activist Dipayon Khisha; Pavel Partha, director of Bangladesh Resource Centre for Indigenous Knowledge (BARCIK); Taslima Islam, acting chief executive of Bangladesh Environmental Lawyers Association (BELA); and Hana Shams Ahmed, PhD researcher at York University, Canada.
