Editorial
'Crossfire' killings are unacceptable
Only rule of law can ensure citizens' security
THE latest round of BBC Shonglap, as reported in the media, has thrown up some rather interesting as well as intriguing observations. On the one hand, participants on the show as well as part of the audience would like the enactment of a new law to improve law and order rather than a continuation of 'crossfire' methods to dispose of 'criminals.' On the other (and this is where the intriguing bit comes in), there are individuals who seemingly believe that 'crossfires' are an effective way of restoring law and order and ensuring security for citizens. It is this second aspect of the BBC-sponsored dialogue which causes concern. One of the prime reasons behind the voicing of such concerns stems from the views aired by Shipping Minister Shahjahan Khan at the dialogue. In his opinion, conventional ways of dealing with criminals have not worked and only 'crossfires' can lead to a restoration of security for people.
That view is as unacceptable as it is untenable. It is unacceptable because extra-judicial killings, which 'crossfires' and custodial deaths have been in Bangladesh over the past six years or so, can never be a substitute for due process of law. It is untenable because only a proper, full and unquestioned application of the law takes account of all the factors involved in a case. More importantly, due process implies that no man or woman is guilty of wrongdoing as long as he or she has not been proven to be guilty. Now, the minister apparently believes that 'crossfires' are an effective way of eliminating criminals. There are two points that arise as a result of such a comment. First, it is for the law to decide who is or is not a criminal. Second, when a government functionary appears to be defending such extra-judicial killings, there is the danger of criminality being encouraged. In a more fundamental way of assessing the situation, it hardly needs saying that extra-judicial killings definitely undermine the very principles of democracy we are trying to build and strengthen in this country.
The perspectives are very clear for all of us. If we wish democracy to take strong roots in Bangladesh, if due process of law and a meaningful observance of human rights are to be ensured, we must go all the way toward making sure that extra-judicial killings, either through so-called crossfires or custodial deaths, are morally and legally put to an end. A welcome provision the Awami League included in its pre-election manifesto last year was to put an end to such killings if it came to power. It is in power. And the nation expects the government it has formed to live up to that pledge. Meanwhile, we recall a bill proposing a ban on extra-judicial killings introduced in the Jatiyo Sangsad recently by a ruling party lawmaker. That speaks volumes about the realities we are confronted with today.
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