National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque yesterday demanded proper investigation into the killing of Teknaf municipality councillor Ekramul Haque, who was killed in a reported gunfight with Rapid Action Battalion (RAB), reports UNB. He made the demand while visiting the residence of slain Ekramul at Kaubkhalipara of Teknaf upazila in the afternoon. The NHRC chief talked to Ekramul's mother Hafeza Khatun and consoled her. At that time, Hafeza demanded justice for her son. In reply, Reazul said they demanded that the government investigate the incident through a magistrate.

He also underscored the need for following existing laws while conducting any drive. "The government will surely try to arrest suspects but the list of the suspects must be accurate. Operations should be conducted after proper scrutiny."

The NHRC chairman also said the government must ensure that people are not killed unlawfully. "We've repeatedly asked the government and the Home Ministry to ensure it," he said.

He said the NHRC is formulating a guideline for conducting anti-narcotic drives. "If this guideline is followed by the law enforcers, no one will be victim of extrajudicial killing."

NHRC member Md Nazrul Isram, Teknaf Upazila Nirbahi Officer Rabiul Hasan and officer-in-charge of Teknaf Police Station Ranjit Kumar Barua were also present. Ekramul was killed in a reported gunfight with Rab members in the early hours of May 27. However, family members claimed that he was killed in a planned way on May 26 night, saying they were on a phone call with him when he was shot.