We condemn it

The local BNP leaders have asserted that the killers, whatever might be their political identity and affiliation, would be brought to justice.

Expression of such resolve, welcome as it is, must now see the police propelled into bringing the culprits immediately to book. In that vein, killers of Mamtaz Uddin should face trial in a special tribunal, called the speedy trial tribunal. The process of delivering justice cannot be delayed. If the government thought of quickening the pace of trial of certain 'sensitive' cases when it decided to set up the speedy trial tribunals, it should realise that the murder of Mamtaz Uddin belongs to that category.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

There is a surmise that some criminal cases having been lately withdrawn, Mamtaz Uddin was expressly unhappy about it. This might have angered some quarters leading to the vendetta killing. Evidently, a thorough investigation is called for. The best solution consists in allowing the law to take its course by ensuring that killers, regardless of their political hue, are handed the appropriate conviction.

There are some other points to ponder as well. Perception of past events might lead one to conclude that police do not always act promptly while handling cases with a suspected political smack. Again, it is the government which can set things right by ordering the law enforcers to perform their duties without fear or favour.

The killing took place at a time when the general feeling was that the principal stakeholders in our politics, that is, the BNP and the AL, were getting closer to an understanding, or at least an internal resolve, on ousting criminals from their folds. So far as the ruling party goes, the killing of Mamtaz Uddin could prove to be test-case there.