Bangladesh's human rights situation is still disappointing because the state is continually failing to ensure rule of law, strengthen democracy and stop extra-judicial killings, observed Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) leaders yesterday.
They were addressing a memorial programme on ASK's four founding members, Advocate Aminul Hoque, Barrister Salma Sobhan, Justice KM Subhan and former IGP Abdul Khaleque, in the capital's Chhayanaut.

“I could not even imagine that the state…the police can be so much oppressive and that incidents of disappearances and extra-judicial killings can actually occur in the country,” said Hameeda Hossain, ASK's immediate past chairperson.
She recalled contributions of the aforementioned four in making people aware of their rights.
Human rights in Bangladesh is still to be protected, said ASK Executive Director Sultana Kamal, pointing at the daunting task the four played in establishing ASK during the military dictatorial Ershad regime when democracy was in peril.
Prominent economist and Centre for Policy Dialogue Chairman Prof Rehman Sobhan recollected memories of the four, especially his wife Salma, campaigning for human rights and urged ASK to continue its activities.
Immediate past ASK general secretary Advocate ZI Khan Panna and Khaleque's wife Selina Khaleque also spoke.