Editorial
A hazy tale of murder
Country's image staked
We condemn the brutal killing of Aminul Islam, a labour rights activist of Bangladesh Centre for Workers Solidarity in Ashulia. His dead body was found near Ghatail Police station as early as April 5 with telltale marks of barbarous torture. But three weeks into the sinister murder, we are shocked to see the laxity in investigation of the case. What worries us all the more is the allegation by the departed leader's wife and co-workers that he was picked up by members of law enforcing agencies.
As we have disconcertingly observed in recent times, any murder case allegedly involving law enforcing agencies has been invariably sidestepped. In some cases, investigation has not even got underway. Does not this lack or total absence of investigation strengthen the allegation against the agencies? Was it the reason why Aminul's case has been given a short shrift?
The recent plunge in law and order situation has already rocked the country. It is indeed a shame to note that the embarrassment caused by these dubious murders has now crossed borders. New York Times has already reported Aminul's killing. Quite a number of the major international buyers' associations having to do with our garment exports, including the influential American Apparel and Footwear Association, have voiced their concern about it and rightly so. They have even issued a letter to the prime minister demanding an immediate investigation into the case and the trial of the killers. The missive also stressed that this rising insecurity of workers is unacceptable and rule of law must be enforced to improve the working environment of the garment sector. Why do we mess up things in a way that invites such concerns from abroad?
If the government really cares about good governance and the country's image in the international arena, it should immediately find out the real culprits behind Aminul's killings and put them in the dock sooner rather than later.
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