Bangladesh: Investigate Aminul's Murder

Aminul Islam was found murdered in early April. His body bore signs of brutal torture. All evidence points to the likelihood of action by Bangladeshi security forces in retaliation for his support of garment workers' right to organize. Join us in demanding a thorough and impartial investigation.

Subject:

Your Letter:

Dear Prime Minister of Bangladesh,

As a consumer of clothing made in Bangladesh and a person of conscience, I am shocked by the torture and murder of Aminul Islam. He helped Bangladeshi garment workers claim their rights at work as a senior organizer for the Bangladesh Center for Worker Solidarity (BCWS) and a local leader for the Bangladesh Garment and Industrial Workers Federation (BGIWF). This is vital work in an industry characterized by sub-poverty wages and deadly factory fires.

I am concerned for the safety of other labor rights organizers in Bangladesh, and in particular for Kalpona Akter, Babul Akhter and others who face unsubstantiated criminal charges in apparent retaliation for supporting a higher minimum wage and garment worker organizing.

The fact that Aminul was previously tortured at the hands of National Security Intelligence (NSI) officers on June 16, 2010, leaves me concerned that Bangladeshi security forces may have been involved in Aminul’s murder.

I am concerned that several months after the murder of Aminul, the investigation has made no progress.  As you know, major buyers of Bangladeshi garments are taking note of the failed investigation and worrying that their brand image may suffer by association with Bangladesh.  For the sake of Aminul’s family and former colleagues, Bangladeshi garment workers and the industry, it is paramount the murder investigation be carried out by an organization with adequate resources and with the authority to hold security and police accountable, should that be necessary. I also call on the Government of Bangladesh to undertake effective measures to ensure the safety of other labor rights advocates, and to immediately withdraw all unsubstantiated charges against other BCWS and BGIWF leaders and others who face such charges in retaliation for advocating for workers’ rights.

Sincerely,

Sheikh Hasina

People's Republic of Bangladesh, Prime Minister
Prime Minister's Office
Old Sangsad Bhaban
Tejgaon, BD+32 1215
BD

Human Rights Commission, Chairma

People's Republic of Bangladesh

BD

Ministry of Commerce, The Secret

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

BD

Ministry of Labour and Employmen

Government of the People's Republic of Bangladesh

BD

Major Gen. ATM Shahidul Islam, n Executive Chairman

Bangladesh Export Processing Zones Authority (BEPZA)

BD

His Excellency Akramul Qader, Am

Embassy of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh
3510 International Drive NW
Washington , DC 20008
US

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More information:

Chronology of the investigation, August 1, 2012

ILRF letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, April 11, 2012

Human Rights Watch letter to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, April 11, 2012

ILRF and Worker Rights Consortium Press Release, April 9, 2012

SweatFree Communities report documenting the campaign of intimidation and harassment against BCWS, including the torture of Aminul at the hands of Bangladesh security forces on June 16, 2010

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