US Allegations Are Imaginary: Law Min

Law Minister Anisul Haque has lamented the US sanctions on seven former and current members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) for alleged human rights abuses.

He described the allegations in the United States as "fictitious" and said it was "regrettable" that such a statement had been issued without a chance to defend itself.

He was responding to a question from reporters after inaugurating a workshop at the Judicial Administration Training Institute in the capital on Sunday (December 12th).

The law minister said those who believe in the rule of law, those who believe in democracy have a duty. That is the new process and listening to the side of those against whom action is taken. As far as I have information, I do not think that those against whom this ban has been imposed have been heard. I would also like to say that the charges against which RAB and other organizations have been blamed are not true and are imaginary.

In response to another question from journalists, he said that no extrajudicial killings have taken place in Bangladesh.

Asked if any decision had been taken on BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia's application for medical treatment abroad, he said, "Wait and see."

The United States on Friday (December 10) announced sanctions against 15 individuals and 10 organizations in various countries on International Human Rights Day. The list of sanctions also includes the names of RAB and six former and current officers of the Bangladesh Special Forces.

The list also includes former RAB director general and current IGP Dr Benazir Ahmed and current RAB director general Chowdhury Abdullah Al Mamun.