Impunity encourages criminality

The culture of impunity coupled with state patronisation of perpetrators is encouraging criminal activities like killing and sexual harassment in Bangladesh, discussants told a function yesterday.

A coordinated movement must be launched across the country against these criminal activities as well as the government inaction and negligence in trying the perpetrators, they viewed.

The roundtable, "State reluctance to try the killers of Taqi", was organised by Santras Nirmul Taqi Mancha, a platform seeking justice over the killing of Tanwir Mohammed Taqi, in the capital's Jatiya Press Club.

Taqi, 17-year-old high school graduate and son of cultural activist Rafiur Rabbi of Narayanganj, was found dead on the banks of the Shitalakkhya on March 8, 2013 two days after he went missing.

Prof Emeritus Serajul Islam Choudhury said the culture of impunity has grown due to the unhealthy political culture.

People are not safe as the state is not performing its duties. The country is gradually becoming unsuitable for human habitat, he viewed.

"The state does not work for people. The state is not a friend of the people. That is why people like Taqi are not safe here," Serajul added.

"So, it is our duty to strengthen the movement to change the state with the aim to make it people-friendly," he opined.

Eminent cultural personality Kamal Lohani urged all to join hands for strengthening the movement against injustice, repression and criminal activities.

Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) Adviser Manjurul Ahsan Khan said the rule of law was absent and so a coordinated movement was very crucial for ensuring public safety.      

Veteran left politician Ajoy Roy suggested holding rallies demanding trial of the killers of Taqi and of writers and freethinkers.

CPB President Mujahidul Islam Selim said an alternative political force out of the two major political parties must emerge to change the situation.

Noted economist Prof Anu Mohammad said the ruling party was stigmatising the spirit of the Liberation War by safeguarding criminals. "The Santras Nirmul Taqi Mancha has emerged as a symbol of protest across the country...our duty is to continue the movement," Anu added.

Rafiur Rabbi demanded immediate completion of the trial of the killers of Taqi as well as of journalist couple Sagar-Runi, writer Avijit Roy and other freethinkers.

Santras Nirmul Taqi Mancha Member Secretary Halim Azad moderated the programme while other academicians, politicians, social workers and right activists also spoke.