Torture on the young

The recent goings on at the Gazipur Juvenile Development Centre make one thing absolutely clear. And it is that there are instances in the country when those in charge of such centres must first correct themselves before they can presume to correct others. We are happy that the High Court has come into the picture, for the sole reason that the interests of the juveniles at the centre need to be protected. That no fewer than twenty teenagers at the centre had to draw attention to the cruelty of the authorities through subjecting themselves to gashes is a shame. It begs the question: must those who suffer through social insensitivity inflict more suffering on themselves, on their own, before we take notice of their pain?
The supervisor of the centre has, as a result of the HC action, been put under suspension. That is a good step and yet something more ought to be done. The first move is to inquire into the nature of the torture these teenagers were put through at the centre. Precisely when such torture began and who knew about the activities of the supervisor-in-charge or abetted him in his misdemeanours must be made known. Then comes the question of treating the incident as one of a seriously criminal nature.
It is not enough to have any employee of the centre suspended and expect that the winds will blow over. That employee, and any others in league with him, must be tried for their criminality.