Rights forum voices concern over sedition case against Shampa Goswami in Satkhira
The Human Rights Forum Bangladesh (HRFB) has expressed deep concern over a sedition case filed against Shampa Goswami, executive director of the Prerona women's development organisation in Satkhira, and over fears of harassment and security risks surrounding her.
In a statement sent to the media on Monday (November 2), the forum said that, according to information from reliable sources, a sedition case was filed against Shampa Goswami on September 29 at Shyamnagar police station in Satkhira under section 124A of the Bangladesh Penal Code.
According to the statement, Goswami alleges that her home and her organisation's office are being kept under police surveillance and that members of her family are being harassed.
The HRFB said that, against such allegations, the protection of citizens' fundamental rights and personal privacy recognised in Bangladesh's constitution needs particular consideration. Article 36 of the constitution guarantees citizens' freedom of movement, while Article 43 guarantees the privacy of home and correspondence.
The forum said allegations of surveillance of a person's home and office and of harassment of family members must be considered with due seriousness. It also said that bringing a grave charge such as sedition against a person involved in human rights work requires specific allegations.
The HRFB called on the authorities concerned to verify the legal basis of the case filed against Shampa Goswami and the truth of the allegations, and also called for an impartial investigation into the complaints raised by Goswami herself.
The forum further demanded that Goswami be ensured the opportunity to carry out her peaceful and lawful work as a human rights activist, including participation in international forums, and that appropriate measures be taken so that she, her family, and the staff and volunteers of the women's development organisation do not face any intimidation, harassment or retaliatory action in carrying out such work.
