Dhunat tragedy

The people in distress are trying desperately to keep themselves afloat in a virtual deluge -- most of the households have gone under water and there is an acute shortage of food. It is very unclear how long they will be able to survive unless relief operations are geared up in the affected areas. It is a big challenge to the men in charge of rescuing the marooned people and alleviating their misery.

The disaster struck under mysterious circumstances. The Water Development Board officials have termed it an act of sabotage, and that has apparently annoyed the deputy minister for disaster management and relief. The latter wanted the comments by WDB officials withdrawn. But the board officials asserted that the embankment was sabotaged. The report that the breach could be the result of a feud between two local BNP men certainly raises questions. Even if it were true that there was some tussle between the men looking for the contract for repair work of a part of the structure, it is difficult to comprehend how such a horrendous crime could be committed by any sane person. The opening of the dam and exposing people to the full fury of a mighty river could lead to loss of a colossal number of lives. Yet, the perpetrators of the crime failed to show the slightest of compunction for the lives of fellow human beings.

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The government should not allow the men responsible for the tragedy to get away unpunished -- be they saboteurs or irresponsible employees of the WDB. We believe there is sufficient reason for a judicial probe to be instituted to ascertain the real cause behind it. If the sabotage theory were true, then one of the most barbaric crimes in our history has been committed. And, if it was due to negligence it's equally reprehensible. The persons responsible can duly be charged with mass murder.