Arrests and punishment of alleged perpetrators

While we strongly believe that appropriate measures should be taken to stop the onslaught of political violence that has killed at least 28 people, we are concerned that the latest drive against terrorism might be giving law enforcement agencies unrestricted power to act at their own discretion, enabling them to indiscriminately arrest, assault and even shoot people.

At least four opposition activists have been killed in a span of only four days in 'cross-fires' by law enforcers, highlighting a dangerous trend of condoning extra-judicial killings in the name of ensuring security. The social welfare minister's suggestion that a directive may be issued to law enforcers to "shoot at sight" can only aggravate our fear that revenge, and not justice, may ultimately be served by this counter-terrorism drive.

Meanwhile, law enforcement agencies have now announced a bounty of Tk1 lakh for tip-off on attackers, which essentially encourages the settlingof old scores. There is also a fear that this old and discredited method may lead to wrongful arrests of those suspected to be affiliated with opposition parties.

In a statement released on January 20, rights watchdog Amnesty International urged the government to "carry out thorough and impartial investigations into all instances of arson attacks and killings and bring those responsible to justice in fair trials." We endorse that demand. Indiscriminate violence by the opposition, and that too, against civilians cannot be tolerated under any circumstances, but we have to ensure that due process of law is followed in arresting, investigating and punishing alleged perpetrators. Law enforcers cannot take the law into their own hands in a democratic, civilised country.