August 2004 Carnage
Getting to its bottom is paramount
MANY well-meaning citizens may not have appreciated the extension of time for investigating the August 21, 2004 case of attempted assassination of Sheikh Hasina. The time allowed, we are told, is for proper and sustained investigation with a view to prosecuting the actual criminals and their abettors. It has also been informed that startling cover-ups are coming to light that need to be properly unearthed.
All these appear to be valid justification for lengthened investigation. What, however, is baffling and tragic is that a case of such magnitude was treated so poorly and with such apparent criminal intent by those in authority.
While extreme views advocating and implementing annihilation of the political opponent has been a sad socio-political reality of our society, there is a paramount need to stop that once for all. Many political murders have not been investigated properly while some cases are still under investigation and some have been perfunctorily looked into.
Such a state of affairs point to the supreme necessity of a comprehensive investigation of the incident of attempted assassination of Sheikh Hasina because that is expected to be an example-setter in the criminal justice system in whose effectiveness and impartiality there is a disturbing slide.
To recollect, the multiple grenade assault of 21st August, 2004 was clearly a manifest attempt to wipe out the entire leadership of the mainstream political party. The damage already caused with its far-reaching ramifications cannot be brushed aside. The double figure deaths and crippling injuries of hundreds should make us wonder if the state organs investigating the incident and the then political authority did realize the enormity of the dastardly attack.
We may also recollect that the investigation of the above incident was not taken in right earnest that it deserved and the first indication of that was the unpardonable failure to protect and preserve the scene of occurrence. There was allegation that physical evidence was tampered with and destroyed. The field units did not act with desired speed and circumspection. The question is, did this happen because of the so-called instruction from above? The culpability of all concerned, high and low, need to be established.
Equally important would be to recollect the sad murder of Mr. Kibria, the former finance minister, whose untimely death left ominous portents for budding politicians of the desired breed in Bangladesh. Mr. Kibria, it may be remembered, had impeccable credentials in a scenario where many politicians do not make serious efforts to endear themselves to the electorate.
His cruel annihilation from the political arena sent a disturbing signal to decent folks who were desirous of taking to public life. The premonition is: are we creating a situation where brats will occupy the centre-stage of politics for a painfully long time? The abettors of Mr. Kibria's killer need to be booked and tried.
Let us remember that the quality of public life and its leaders will have a special meaning for those who are keen to see the flowering of democratic institutions and tradition in our volatile environment. Therefore, the proper investigation relating to the grenade and bomb blasts acquire special significance because in doing so we will be able to establish our credibility as an orderly and law-abiding society and reduce space for rogue elements in political affairs.
Let us not forget that the inaction and the resultant incapacity characterizing each incident of grenade and bomb explosion in the not-too-distant past hangs heavy on the national scene.
The guardians of public life can prove their sincerity by concrete actions like proper registration of cases, energizing the intelligence network for unbiased information, collection of material, physical and circumstantial evidence and finally ensuring expeditious investigation. The political executives have to demonstrate determination and agreement to go by the book. In fact, the public functionaries must be facilitated to conduct themselves in a manner which establishes quite clearly the distinguishing line between government and state interests.
We need to put an effective end to the trend that helps criminal elements to enjoy political patronage and wherein criminal activities are accorded respectability for so-called political compulsions. We have to ensure that middle class professionals with laudable credentials and with roots to the people are not squeezed out of the political market by muscle and money. There is a considered view that the interface between the political feuds and intense power struggle, on the one hand, and violence of different intensities, on the other, is provided by the underworld to which the political leaders of some statures are connected in a shady way.
The assassination attempt on Sheikh Hasina should be viewed with utmost concern because fair investigation and trial of the foot soldiers and those behind the dastardly attack may help in restoring sanity and normalcy in the political power transaction. It is time to prove that state organs shall act by the book in spite of the political colour. Let there be a realization that the interests of political governments will vary and power will change hands but never shall the regulatory functions of the state be allowed to assume a partisan character.
Muhammad Nurul Huda is a columnist of The Daily Star.
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