‘How long must we wait for justice?’

Why no charges have been framed in Taqi murder case, even though eight years have already passed? 

This question was raised by eminent academician Dr Syed Anwar Husain yesterday at an event marking the 25th birth anniversary of  Tanwir Muhammad Taqi at the capital's National Museum.

"Charges in Taqi murder case have not been framed in eight years. I want to know what role police, Rab and the judiciary have played… The accused in the case have been identified and the offence is specified. However, charges are yet to be framed. This is my direct question to the prime minister," he said.

"Is this the model of an ideal state that we're seeing now? I urge you [prime minister] to ensure trial of all killings," he said.

"Submission of probe report into Sagar-Runi murder case has been delayed for 79th times… Five years have already been passed after Tonu murder… I want security of my life. Will justice be ensured, if I'm killed?" he questioned.

Narayanganj City Corporation Mayor Selina Hayat Ivy, among others, spoke at the function.

Seventeen-year-old Taqi went missing soon after he left home on Shaista Khan Road for Sudhijon Pathagar, a local library, around 4pm on March 6, 2013.

His A-level results were out the next day and he had the highest score in the world in physics obtaining 297 out of 300 marks.

In chemistry, he got 294, the highest in the country. He was a student of ABC International School.

His body was found floating on the Shitalakhya river on March 8.

Taqi's father Rafiur Rabbi filed a murder case with Narayanganj Kotwali Police Station later that day. He also submitted a complaint to the superintendent of police on March 18, accusing seven persons by name and 8-10 unnamed others. Eight of the accused remain absconding while five have been arrested in the case.

But eight years after Taqi's murder, the pain of the grieving parents is as palpable as their agonising wait for justice is.