President must not involve himself in controversy
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and many other ministers seem to have become blind with power and are failing to distinguish right from wrong and making comments which are totally unacceptable to the people. Border tension, share market, Padma bridge, Sagar-Runi murder and on many other issues, their response is most unusual.
Recently, another controversy has arisen out of the clemency shown by the President. Over the last two years President Zillur Rahman granted clemency only to the ruling party men on the advice of PM. We know that the President in November 2009 pardoned sentences of Shahadab Akbar, son of deputy leader of parliament Syeda Sajeda Chowdhury. He was sentenced to 18 years' imprisonment and fined Tk 1.6 crore in four cases filed by the Anti-corruption Commission. In September 2010, the President pardoned 20 Awami League activists who were on a death row in connection with the murder of Jubo Dal leader Sabbir Ahmed Gama. On July 2011, the President granted mercy to AHM Biplob, son of ruling Awami League leader Abu Taher of Laxmipur, a death row inmate in the Nurul Islam murder case. It has been further disclosed that Biplob was granted mercy twice in seven months, his life sentence was reduced to a 10-year imprisonment. Again when the opposition went to the Bangabhaban to place their demand of a caretaker government, President expressed his helplessness, saying his 'hands and feet' were tied.
If it is the condition of the highest authority, where shall people go for justice? We can only pray to Almighty Allah to save this country and its people from despair and destruction.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments