ISSN: 0973-5089 | [email protected]

NGO Discourses of Extrajudicial Killings and Enforced Disappearances in Bangladesh

Ekramul Kabir Rana, Mohammed Jahirul Islam

Mawlana bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail, bangladesh

Abstract:

The study examines the NGO discourses on extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances in terms of their conceptual representations, causes, consequences, and prevention strategies in Bangladesh. For this purpose, the texts and contents of the annual reports (2005-2016) of two national NGOs: Ain-o-Salish Kendra (ASK) and Odhikar were analyzed and interpreted. Content analysis, thematic analysis, and narrative analysis methods were adopted for data analysis. The findings demonstrate that the NGOs have characterized extrajudicial killings in several terms, such as murder, state-sponsored terrorism. Moreover, they symbolize 'Enforced disappearance' as a form of international and national crime; and a threat to human rights. Additionally, the NGOs outlined political motivations and corruption of law enforcement agencies as the significant causes of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearance. Notably, the study assumes that the negative impact of extrajudicial killing and enforced disappearance constitute a threat to the judicial system. Likewise, enforced disappearance constructs psychological impacts on the victim's family. Finally, the study suggests three strategies for preventing extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. Government should establish an independent commission for investigating extrajudicial cases, ratifying international convention on enforced disappearance and taking necessary actions for creating awareness among the mass people in Bangladesh.

Keyword:

Non-Govermental organisation (NGOs), Extrajudicial killings, Enforced Disapperance, Discourse, NGO discourses, Bangladesh,