Terrible deaths in Thai custody

The cause of death of the seventy-eight was mostly suffocation -- but a significant number of the deceased were crushed to death and found with broken necks. There can be no doubt that the blame for these terrible deaths must lie with the Thai authorities who were responsible for the inhuman cramming of the protesters into the trucks in which they died. The fact that many of the dead had been fasting and that their weakened condition and dehydration most likely contributed to their inability to withstand the suffocation only makes things worse.

Monday's tragedy demonstrates that the Thai authorities continue to use excessive force and brutality in their dealing with southern Muslims and that the time has come for serious scrutiny of the methods used. It should not be forgotten that the 1,300 who were subject to the horror of the police trucks were merely protesters and not even armed insurgents.

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The good reputation of the Thai nation in the world -- and in the Muslim world particularly -- is in danger. Closer ties between Bangladesh and Thailand have been beneficial for both countries and we would like to see those ties grow stronger and for the bilateral relationship to flourish. If the Thai government is perceived as being indifferent to Muslim life it could have an otherwise avoidable ripple-effect in the region.

For all of these reasons, we urge the Thai government to take stern action against those responsible for the terrible deaths. The good image of the Thai nation as well as considerations of regional harmony demand this.