Photo : BSS

KHULNA, Dec 13, 2025 (BSS) - Speakers at a seminar in Khulna today called on political actors to refrain from using law enforcement agencies for political gain, claiming that over the past 15 years, law enforcers have been misused in killings, enforced disappearances, abductions, and harassment through fabricated cases.

They warned that political divisions and disunity among the forces behind the July uprising could once again put the country at risk.

The seminar, titled "Torture by Law Enforcement Agencies: What International Law Says and the Ground Reality," was organised by the human rights group Odhikar at a city hotel this morning. A

SM Nasiruddin Elan, Director of Odhikar, moderated the event, while Pulok Hasan presented a research paper. Muhammad Nuruzzaman, Odhikar's Khulna focal person, presided over the seminar.

Political leaders and human rights activists, including former BNP city joint convener Syeda Rehana Akhter, Jamaat-e-Islami city assistant secretary Azizul Islam Faraji, Nagorik Oikya district president Abdul Majid, Gano Odhikar Parishad city organising secretary Farhad Hasan Raj, advocate Mominul Islam, Sheikh Faruk, and Shahidul Islam, spoke at the event.

Victims, who were tortured by law enforcement agencies during Awami League regime, shared their personal experiences at the event.

Speakers said that even though Hasina has left power, the mindset has largely remained unchanged, with some political aspirants already acting as if they wield significant power ahead of elections. 

They added that this has contributed to law enforcers neglecting their duties, leading to increases in extortion, land grabbing, drug trafficking, and gang violence.

They expressed hope that investigating and punishing those responsible for past human rights violations could help restore discipline and accountability within law enforcement agencies.

The seminar was also attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Md Akhtar Hossain, Jail Superintendent Nasir Uddin Pradhan, KMP Deputy Police Commissioner (South) Tajul Islam, and Khulna Medical College forensic and toxicology lecturer Dr Rony Kumar Brahma.

Journalists and media representatives, including Khulna Press Club Convener Enamul Haque, BFUJ Assistant Secretary General Ehteshamul Haque Shawon, MUJ President Md Rashidul Islam, NTV Khulna Bureau Chief Muhammad Abu Tayab, UNB Khulna Bureau Chief Sheikh Didarul Alam, and senior journalist Kazi Motahar Rahman Babu, also addressed the seminar.