Editorial
Defiling a court
BNP cadres' action contemptible
It was a most disgraceful conduct by BNP cadres in Bogra on Thursday when they vandalised the court of the Additional District Magistrate because prayer for bail for some of their members, charged with a case related to a clash between BNP and AL cadres on 13 December, was rejected. Not only did they damage the courtroom, outside the court some 40 vehicles were also damaged, as were several shops that were located in the vicinity of the court. And even worse, six of those not granted bail were snatched from police custody.
No words are strong enough to condemn such an act, because in venting their anger on the court the hooligans have shown utter disregard not only for the judicial system but also for the rule of law. A court room is a dignified place and the judge represents the judicial branch of the government. And violence cannot be the expression of dissent, certainly not in the courtroom. There is always recourse to higher court for the aggrieved.
What is disquieting is that all this happened in the presence of the police, who apparently, were quite unable to tackle the BNP activists. And it is reported that the six of the accused returned after an understanding with the police and not arrested, as claimed by them.
The gradual erosion of respect for law in general is highly disconcerting. This is not a one off incident. We have seen in the past intimidation of the court by disgruntled persons, but this is perhaps the first time that the judge and the courtroom have been subjected to their wrath as a protest against a verdict.
We want that not only those that behaved like louts in the court are made examples of, the performance of the police, who should have acted more efficiently and decisively to prevent the BNP activists, should also be examined.
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