Sign petition to Govt of Bangladesh: We Demand Security Robin Khundkar Tue Feb 15, 2005 Dear Friends: Please consider signing the following petition to Govt of Bangladesh regarding the recent violent events in Bangladesh. The writers are Rahnuma Ahmed & Saydia Gulrukh both human & women's rights activists in Bangladesh. Please encourage friends and family members to sign. The name of the signatories will be announced in the Nari Shomabesh (women's gathering) in the Shahid Minar (Central Martyr's Memorial), Dhaka on Feb. 23rd organized by the Bikkhubdo Nari Morcha (Woman's Organization). The Govt of Bangladesh is sensitive to its "image" abroad and a large number of signatories will encourage it to carry out its responsibilities. The Govt's efforts to-date in carrying out its responsibilities for investigating and punishing the perpetrators has been minimal to non-existent. The petition can be found at http://www.petitiononline.com/smkibria/petition.html   To:  The Government of Bangladesh On 27 January 2005, a grenade attack on a public meeting in Habiganj killed six persons, including Shah A M S Kibria, MP, former Finance Minister and injured nearly a hundred others. During the past five years, between March 1999 to January 2005, 21 separate incidents of bomb and grenade attacks have killed over 140 persons and injured many others. These attacks have targeted political meetings, cultural spaces such as theatre or song performances (Jatras and Baul singing) or cinemas and circuses, and religious places of worship (Ahmadiya mosques, churches, mazars). They have targeted both political or cultural activists, and common people. Information available from official and non-official news sources reveals that after such attacks, investigations have remained inconclusive, evidence has been destroyed, enquiry commission reports, where produced, have not been made public and perpetrators have not been caught. In only one case has the accused been charge-sheeted. So far no trials have been held. We grieve for each life that has been lost, for each life that has been maimed or injured. At the same time, we condemn the terror attacks in the strongest possible language and urge the government to: - hold an independent, impartial and transparent investigation into each bomb blast and grenade attack (free of government interference); - provide medical care for those injured in such attacks and compensation for the families of those killed or injured; - prosecute and punish those responsible for such attacks under due process of law; - take urgent steps to improve the law and order situation in accordance with respect for fundamental rights, including to life and liberty; - take measures to ensure the independence and integrity of public institutions; - restore a democratic environment conducive to freedom of participation in political and cultural activities (jatra, baul singing), for women's sports events (wrestling, swimming, football), etc and to freedom of expression.   Sincerely, The Undersigned   View Current Signatures       ============== Also Read: Appeal to MM members Ajoy Roy Appeal to Overseas Bangladesh Communities Asma Kibria Kibria Family took position on the road as a mark of protest Ajoy Roy We Will Not Rest Until Justice is Done Reza Kibria Kibria Killing: Motives for wiping out the vestiges of secular intellectuals by Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Appeal to the Freedom Fighters of Bangladesh Asma Kibria Urgent Message from Dr. Reza Kibria and Nazli Kibria An afterthought of grenade attack in Habiganj Shabbir Ahmed Bangladesh is now in the radar screen A.H. Jaffor Ullah AMS Kibria Killed by Grenade throw: A Tribute  Ajoy Roy How long this bloodletting could continue?  A.H. Jaffor Ullah Kibria's Assassination : Islamist-Terrors Gave Justification To Eliza's Article Maksud Labib Scholars, Stand Against Attacks and Extermination of Bengali Scholars, its Culture and Heritage in Bangladesh  Abdul Momen International news media on Kibria's assasination fwd: Jahed Ahmed Govt. lost its moral right to rule Bangladesh BO Editorial ei desh,ei janapod [Bangla]  Nondini Hossain Du:shopner Ditiyo Prhor [Bangla] Avijit Roy   more on Kibria in MM forum..