Human Rights Watch yesterday called on authorities to drop “spurious charges” against a 17-year-old student accused of attempting to kill members of an elite terrorism force after he was shot in the leg at point-blank range.

Limon Hossain, who had to have his leg amputated following the run-in with members of the Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) in March last year, has since been charged with aiding terrorists.

Last week, the incident escalated when a group of men – some allegedly RAB informants – attacked Hossain, his mother and his brother in their hometown of Jhalakati in southern Barisal district.

When one of the men, Forkan Sikdar, died from heart failure during the attack, his brother Ibrahim filed murder charges against the Hossain family.

Hossain required ear surgery after the attacks and his two relatives were also hospitalized.

“The ongoing abuse of Limon Hossain and his family by government elements protecting RAB adds gross insult to already grievous injury,” said Brad Adams, Asia director of Human Rights Watch.

Hossain said although his world had been shattered by the events of the past 18 months, he did not feel he was fighting alone amid outrage by domestic and international rights groups and continued coverage in local news media.

“I’ve resumed studying ... appearing in court during hearings is tough for me,” he said. “I hope that all the charges against me will be dropped.”

Mizanur Rahman, the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission, said he had requested a judicial investigation into the charges against the Hossains.

“We hope the charges will be proved false and we will demand compensation for the victim and his family,” he said.

Major Rashed, head of RAB Zone 8 which includes Hossain’s hometown, said he was in no position to comment on the charges.

“The case in the court will prove if Limon is guilty or not,” he said.

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