Police excesses on opposition
In reading the news reports regarding the attack on the Opposition Chief Whip, and your editorial on the subject, I was reminded of the incidents that took place during the BNP government's tenure from the outset.
Who does not remember the sight of Mohammed Nasim, the former Awami League Home Minister, sitting quietly on the street while the police with truncheons were beating him? He was accompanied on the ground by Begum Matia Chowdhury, former and present Agriculture Minister, also being beaten by sticks. Where in the world does one see women being beaten up with sticks while peacefully protesting? I would venture to say that accused women serial killers, such as Christine Wuornos in Florida, are more humanely treated in the U.S. and other civilised countries.
Have we forgotten the merciless beating delivered late in the BNP's tenure to Saber Hussain Choudhury, also a former AL Minister, when he was almost blinded in one eye, despite identifying himself? Indeed, it seemed that by identifying himself he enraged the police more and received more brutal treatment, as though they were actually looking for him.
While not condoning the unnecessary use of force in the present case, one cannot avoid considering the hypocrisy of the BNP as they protest the kind of brutality they pioneered on the then opposition.
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