This July 3, 2011 photo shows Limon Hossain, shot by a Rab team, at a Jhalakathi court for a hearing on charge framing in an arms case filed by Rab.
The government has decided to withdraw both the cases filed by Rapid Action Battalion (Rab) against Limon Hossain, a Jhalakathi college student who had to have his left leg cut off after members of the elite force shot him two years ago.
“This is such a good news!” a happy Limon said as he called The Daily Star correspondent over phone to inform about the government decision.
Just eight days ago, a Jhalakathi court framed charges against the boy in an arms case filed by the Rab on March 23, 2011, the day he was shot brutally in the left leg.
A Rab team shot the boy, then 16, taking him for a top criminal named Morshed near his Jhalakathi home at Jamaddarhat in Rajapur upazila. They picked him up and filed two cases against him — one for possessing arms and the other for obstructing law enforcers — the same day.
Shortly after the decision was made Tuesday, Home Minister Muhiuddin Khan Alamgir confirmed Bangla daily Prothom Alo about it.
“We have decided to withdraw the cases against him to help the 16-year old boy lead a normal life,” the newspaper quoted him as saying.
Asked why it took so long for the government to decide on the withdrawal of cases, the minister replied: “I have been pressing for withdrawing the cases after taking over as the home minister. But it could not be done due to a number of reasons.”
The recommendation of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Mizanur Rahman was also taken into consideration in taking the decision, the minister added.
A file on withdrawal of the cases was placed before the home minister on July 2 and the minister gave his consent on Tuesday, a high official of the ministry told The Daily Star.
“The government’s decision will pave the way for ensuring justice for Limon,” a NHRC press release said adding that protection of Limon’s rights is linked to thousands of poor and disadvantaged people of the county.
Happy at the government decision, the NHRC chief told The Daily Star, “The state has a lot to do for victims like Limon.”
Asked about a case filed against Rab by Limon’s family, Rahman said Limon will have to decide now that cases filed by Rab were being withdrawn.
Source: The Daily Star
