A day after a video went viral showing an elderly man’s hair being forcibly cut, a representative of “Human Service Bangladesh” appeared live on the group’s Facebook page, claiming the act was done on “humanitarian grounds.”
On Thursday night around 10pm, the man – dressed in religious attire – offered an explanation, but did not reveal his name or identity.
Although several clips of hair-cutting incidents involving vagrants had been uploaded on the same Facebook page, the widely discussed video was notably absent.
According to the spokesperson, the incident involving the elderly man took place in Kashiganj, Netrokona. He claimed that locals had requested “Human Service” over the phone to cut the man’s hair.“This will bring peace to his soul,” the spokesperson said.
The original viral footage, however, showed the victim crying out in anguish while at least three men pinned down his arms and forcibly cut his hair. At one point, the distressed man could be heard pleading, “Allah, please take notice!”
Despite widespread outrage and condemnation at home and abroad following the video, law enforcement agencies have yet to take legal action.
On Thursday, the rights organisation Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) issued a statement condemning the incident as “inhumane, unlawful, and a clear violation of the constitution and fundamental rights.”
The statement noted that the viral video showed several men publicly cutting the hair of a passerby by force, and expressed grave concern over the matter.
Citing constitutional provisions, ASK said Article 31 grants every citizen the right to a dignified life under the protection of law, Article 32 guarantees life and personal liberty, and Article 35 explicitly prohibits cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment.
