The Real Estate and Housing Association of Bangladesh (REHAB) on Monday protested the alleged physical torture, injury to private organs and forced signature on stamps and cheques against a REHAB member in Barisal.
At the same time, the organization demanded prompt, impartial and exemplary legal action against those involved in the incident.
REHAB President Ali Afzal said these things in a written statement at an emergency press conference organized at the REHAB head office in the city.
The victim, businessman Bakla Developers Private Limited Chairman and Agrani Housing Limited Managing Director Md. Abdul Aziz Howlader were present online.
REHAB senior leaders and other REHAB members were present at the press conference.
In his written statement, Ali Afzal said that the incident of torture is not only an attack on an entrepreneur, but also a serious blow to the country's safe and fear-free business environment.
He said the scenes published in the video recently are very worrying and are in no way acceptable in a civilized society.
He appreciated the move as law enforcement agencies arrested some of the accused after a case was filed.
However, at the same time, the attempts to quickly grant bail to the arrested persons and the allegations of intimidation and pressure on the victim in various ways are a matter of great concern.
“REHAB is creating direct and indirect employment opportunities for about 5 million people in the country and is playing an important role in the planned urbanization and economic development of the country. As a result, the security and stability of this sector is very important for the national economy,” he recalled.
Ali Afzal said that 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 them according to the existing law.
“If insecurity is created among entrepreneurs, it will carry a negative message not only for an organization, but also for the overall investment environment and economy,” he warned.
He raised four demands at the press conference-- 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.
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