Torture in custody
An editorial on the subject (Jan:26) in a local English daily was very timely, pertinent and necessary. While one appreciates the CTG's actions against corruption, under the same criteria action against alleged torture of victims on detention and remand also needs to be speedily taken. This is a far worse crime than any form of corruption, be it for monitory gain, influence peddling or misuse of power and authority for personal gain; none of which physically harms anyone!
Torture, if it has been practised, is a criminal offence, and if this takes place in a civilised country it is a shame! Torture is a recognised crime, both nationally and internationally and it reflects the worst possible image of Bangladesh, particularly in a non-violent and a non-war like situation. It is the most heinous type of crime, and cannot be condoned by any responsible government, which hopefully the CTG is! It is worse than anything that the CTG is so busy to uproot.
The CTG should investigate and if necessary punish any person who has been responsible for committing acts of torture as alleged by some teachers of Dhaka University and others, with the same spirit and speed like the steps taken against other crimes like corruption, and if needed the persons identified or suspected of committing torture should be remanded, pending trial while investigations are carried out.
Or is it that "What is sauce for the goose, is NOT sauce for the gander"! After all, everyone is a Bangladeshi here. The longer we sit over this matter and ignore it, the more will be the animosity and mutual distrust between different groups of citizens. That will be totally short-sighted in the overall national spirit of unity and understanding; both in the short and long term perspectives. Prompt and early action is necessary in the interest of humanity, law and impartiality; otherwise the CTG's image will get tainted. They should know that one misdeed will wipe out all the good deeds that they have done.
If allegations of torture are not true (hopefully), then the CTG should come out with a positive and firm statement on the issue.
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