Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) has expressed deep concern, strong condemnation and protest over the incident of brutal physical torture, assault on sensitive parts, intimidation and forced signatures on stamps and checks committed against a REHAB member in Barisal. At the same time, the organization has demanded prompt, impartial and exemplary legal action against those involved in the incident, a press release said.

REHAB President Dr. Ali Afzal said these things in a written statement at an emergency press conference organized at the REHAB head office at 12:30 pm on Sunday (July 6).

REHAB Senior Vice President Abdur Razzak, Vice President-3 A. F. M. Obaidullah, Director Engineer Md. Mostafa Kamal, Director Habibur Rahman Habib, Director Director Sheikh Kamal and Director Md. Emdadul Hossain Sohel along with other REHAB members were present.

In a written statement, Dr. Ali Afzal said that the recent torture incident in Barisal on REHAB member, Chairman of Bakla Developers Private Limited and Managing Director of Agrani Housing Limited Md. Abdul Aziz Howlader is not only an attack on an entrepreneur, but also a serious blow to the safe and fear-free business environment of the country. He said that REHAB has closely monitored the news published in the media, the videos spread on social media and the steps taken by the law enforcement agencies. The scenes published in the video are very worrying and are in no way acceptable in a civilized society.

The REHAB President said that after filing a case in this incident, the law enforcement agencies have arrested some of the accused, which is commendable. However, at the same time, the attempts to quickly release the arrested persons and the allegations of intimidation and pressure on the victims in various ways are a matter of great concern. He said that if these allegations are true, it will be considered an attempt to influence the judicial process.

He called on the administration to ensure the overall security of the victims and their families during the judicial process, so that they can participate in the legal process without any fear or pressure.

Dr. Ali Afzal said that REHAB is the largest organization in the country’s housing sector. Entrepreneurs in this sector are investing thousands of crores of taka, creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 5 million people and playing an important role in the planned urbanization and economic development of the country. Numerous individuals and organizations, including engineers, architects, construction workers, contractors, suppliers, banks, financial institutions, are involved in the housing sector. As a result, the security and stability of this sector is very important for the national economy.

He said, the culture of enforcing any demand through intimidation, coercion, extortion, physical torture or violence against any person or organization cannot be acceptable in any civilized society. There may be business or financial disputes, but there are laws, courts and a judicial system in the country to resolve them. Similarly, if a developer or entrepreneur violates the law, action must be taken against him according to the prevailing law. There is no scope for taking the law into one’s own hands.

Regarding political identity, he said, whether a person is associated with any political party or organization or not is not a matter for REHAB. REHAB looks at the crime, not the person. The law being equally applicable to all is the basic foundation of a state established under the rule of law.

He also said, ensuring the safety of entrepreneurs is very important to keep the country’s investment environment safe. If insecurity arises among entrepreneurs, it will carry a negative message not only for an organization, but also for the overall investment environment and economy.

At the press conference, REHAB raised four demands to the relevant government ministries, law enforcement agencies and the judiciary. The demands are: ensuring an impartial, speedy and transparent investigation into the incident; taking exemplary legal action against everyone involved if the allegations are proven; ensuring the overall safety of the victim and his family; and taking effective steps to ensure the safety of entrepreneurs in the housing sector in the future.

At the end of the press conference, REHAB President and Senior Vice President Abdur Razzak answered various questions from journalists. Abdur Razzak said that REHAB has always stood for the rule of law, justice and a safe business environment and will continue to play a necessary role in protecting the interests of the country’s housing sector in the future.

REHAB hopes that the relevant authorities will bring the real criminals to justice through a speedy and impartial investigation and set an example so that no entrepreneur in the country falls victim to such a heinous incident in the future and an investment-friendly, safe and fear-free business environment is further strengthened.