Probe report on August 17 bombings

The most troubling aspect of both communiques is their lack of specificity. If the government knows who was behind the attack, then why can this information not be shared with us? If there are vested interests, who might these vested interests be, and what is the evidence that has been gleaned in support of these allegations?

The public remains very much in the dark as to the bombings. We need to know more to ensure that the government is fulfilling its responsibilities and to make the public feel secure. We would like to know what steps the government is taking or has contemplated. It must be remembered that August 17, while unique in scope, was hardly an isolated incident.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

The government's approach must be different than before, and it must include full disclosure. One of the problems with all previous investigations was their opacity, as though the government thought that by sweeping the matter under the rug that things would be forgotten. But this time this will not be enough.

So far as we can see with respect to the investigation, the sole point of concern seems to be to arrest JMB heads Abdur Rahman and Siddiqul Islam (so-called Bangla Bhai who ill deserves such a sobriquet). The fact that the two have so far evaded capture (and recall that they have officially been wanted men since the JMB was banned in February) suggests that they are being sheltered by some powerful figure or figures.

The question is why they have not been captured, and if they are being sheltered, who might their sponsors be? It is time for the government to come clean and share with the public what it knows in order to restore its credibility on the matter. The country needs answers.