HR body condemns jailing of retired Prof Anwara 

Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has strongly condemned the imprisonment of freedom fighter and retired Jagannath University Prof Dr SM Anwara Begum in connection with an attempted murder case linked to the July 2024 mass uprising. 

In a statement issued to the media on Sunday, HRFB expressed deep concern and disappointment over the denial of bail to the 69-year-old woman and her subsequent imprisonment.

According to media reports, on July 19, 2024, shots were fired at anti-discrimination protesters near Star Hotel in the capital's Ray Shaheb Bazar area. Sujon Molla, General Secretary of the Jagannath University unit of Chhatra Dal, was reportedly injured by a bullet in the eye. He filed a case with Sutrapur Police Station on February 16, alleging attempted murder. The investigation officer of the case later informed the court in writing that Anwara Begum was involved. News reports suggest students detained her near the university and handed her over to police, who then arrested her in connection with an ongoing case.

The HRFB statement noted that Anwara Begum retired from the Department of Political Science at Jagannath University in 2021 and had previously served as a member of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC). HRFB pointed out that under Section 497 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, courts may consider bail for women and elderly individuals.

Reaffirming its call for impartial investigation and justice in all cases of human rights violations during the July uprising, HRFB warned that indiscriminate arrests and mass detentions could weaken the legitimacy of such cases. It urged law enforcement and the judiciary to exercise greater scrutiny when identifying suspects and making arrests, to preserve the integrity of justice and ensure accountability for actual perpetrators.