ASK expresses concern over attack on Z I Khan Panna's daughter Nadima Khan
The organisation urges the authorities to ensure a fair and speedy investigation, bring all those responsible to justice and guarantee Nadima's safety.
Human rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) has expressed deep concern over the attack on human rights activist Nadima Mohammadi Khan, daughter of human rights activist and Supreme Court lawyer Zahirul Hasan (Z I) Khan Panna, in Barishal, calling for a prompt and impartial investigation and the arrest of all those involved.
In a statement issued yesterday (19 July), ASK said the attack on a young human rights defender was not only an assault on an individual but also sent an alarming message to others working to protect human rights in the country.
According to media reports, Nadima was allegedly attacked by a group of people at her ancestral home on Sadar Road in Barishal on 18 July. She sustained injuries and received treatment at Sher-e-Bangla Medical College Hospital.
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ASK urged the authorities to ensure a fair and speedy investigation, bring all those responsible to justice and guarantee Nadima's safety.
The rights body also stressed that attacks on human rights defenders undermine efforts to protect fundamental rights and should be addressed with the utmost seriousness.
The incident took place at the residence of former education minister Hasem Ali Khan.
According to the FIR, Nadima filed a case with Kotwali Model Police Station, naming her uncle Nazrul Islam Khan and four others as accused.
She alleged that the accused had long obstructed her family's access to their ancestral property, demanded Tk10 lakh and assaulted her after she refused to pay.
The complaint also alleges that the attackers beat her with sticks and snatched a 1.12-bhori gold chain and Tk3,50,000 in cash before fleeing the scene.
Kotwali Model Police Station Officer-in-Charge Mamunul Islam said police have arrested one of the named accused, Tanjia Chandni, 35, while raids are underway to apprehend the remaining suspects.
Acting Barishal Metropolitan Police Commissioner Hannan said the case is being treated with the highest priority and that no one involved in the attack would be spared.
