Editorial
Withdrawal of acid throwing case
Political pressure unacceptable
The incidence of acid throwing victim Rekha Begum was recorded as a criminal case on November 27, 2006 in Narail. Seven years on, with the exception of one having been charged the rest have not been apprehended by the police. Today, we are faced with the prospect of the case being annulled since the case is being touted as “politically motivated†and which has been referred to the Awami League National Committee (ALNC).
Of the five originally charged, all but one are said to be active Awami League workers. The victim's family has alleged that those charged have been living comfortable lives. That is not unusual, given our record of sweeping under the carpet cases that involve politically connected people. And that is evident here too, with the ministry of home apparently being requested by the ALNC to treat it as a false case. With so many heavyweights including a local member of parliament pushing for the annulment of the case, there is every possibility that Rekha Begum will be left without justice.
Records show that the request for withdrawal of case came from ruling party MP from Narail 1 on February 22. Indeed prior to this request, on February 10, a similar application for formal withdrawal of case was made by Narail district Awami League president and general secretary. All indications show that the case will receive due importance by concerned authorities. While all this is going on, nobody has bothered to talk to the victim who has gone on record to point the finger at the culprits, who threw acid at her for which she will bear the marks for eternity. Seven years have passed and yet no justice and if the petition for annulment is granted, there will never be any justice.
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