Joynal Hazari convicted

One prime example of impunity he enjoyed was reflected by the attack on local journalist Tipu Sultan by his 'henchmen'. It was reported that Hazari's political influence, muscle power and above all the phobia surrounding him were of such magnitude that the local police station refused to take the case in the first place. It wasn't just Tipu's family, no one in Feni had the courage to lodge a complaint against him or his cronies. And it wasn't just the fear psychosis he created around him which was responsible for this; his being a Member of Parliament of the then ruling party conferred a special kind of immunity on him. The terror created by Hazari and his musclemen in which the people of Feni lived was something that can't be forgotten so easily.

Hazari struck such fear in people's mind that 24 of the 40 cases had to be discharged due to lack of evidence. It would have been more satisfactory had he been punished during the Awami League rule. This is where lies our political culture syndrome. If and when other godfathers are prosecuted and punished, irrespective of their political colour, that we would have our faith in the rule of law fully restored. Leaders of both BNP and Awami League had affirmed their commitment to rid their respective parties of godfathers at a public debate earlier on. We expect the commitment to be implemented sooner than later.

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