The High Court issued a directive yesterday, requesting the relevant government authorities to provide an explanation as to why the detention, shooting, and harassment of Md Limon Hossain in 2011, through his implication in multiple cases, should not be deemed illegal. Additionally, they are being asked why they should not be mandated to compensate him with Tk 2.6 crore. The court also mandated the disclosure of the identities and locations of the former Rab personnel involved in the incident.
The order and directive were issued by the HC bench comprising of Justice Ahmed Sohel and Justice Fatema Anwar, in response to a writ petition filed by Limon. Following the court’s decision, Barrister Sara Hossain, representing Limon, informed the media that the recent order represents a significant step in a 15-year-long quest for justice. She highlighted the egregious human rights violation experienced by Limon during his childhood.
Barrister Sara Hossain emphasized that the pursuit of justice had been impeded over the past 15 years due to efforts to suppress the truth. Despite previous court directives for investigations and medical care provided by the state, these orders were not adequately enforced.
Expressing gratitude towards the media for their role in uncovering the truth, Barrister Sara Hossain acknowledged that it was journalists who initially exposed the incident involving Limon Hossain being shot by Rab, falsely accused in fabricated cases, and left in a hospital.
According to reports, a Rab-8 team, under the leadership of the then deputy assistant director Lutfor Rahman, shot Limon in the leg while he was retrieving his family’s calf in Chhaturia village of Jhalakathi on March 23, 2011. Subsequently, Lutfor Rahman filed two cases against Limon and others at Rajapur Police Station on charges of possessing weapons, obstructing law enforcement duties, and attempted murder. Limon’s leg had to be amputated due to the injuries.
Limon’s mother filed a case against six Rab individuals on April 11, 2011. Initially, Rajapur police hesitated to register the case despite a court order. However, they eventually recorded it on April 26, adhering to a 48-hour ultimatum from a Jhalakathi court.
