Editorial
15 years without trial!
Remove the inadequacies in the legal system
The poignant tale of Ali Hussain, who wasted 15 painful years in a jail without facing any trial, is a shocking reminder of flaws existing in our legal system. It is but a glaring example of an accused kept in custody for one and a half decades without his guilt being proven in a court of law. The man's tryst with law began when he was picked up by the law enforcing agencies in connection with a murder case along with some other accused. But since his arrest in 1992, he did not face any trial with the case having stayed for last 12 years following a High Court order.
Everything went wrong for Ali Hussain in a system where the investigating authorities did not go deep into the case to prove his involvement in it. While the other influential accused got away long ago after obtaining bail, he was destined to languish in jail without bail, as he was too poor to pay for the legal expenses. The ill-fated man did not even have any human rights organisation by his side at such times of gloom and dejection.
Ali Hussain's case came to limelight when some released prisoners narrated his story to the local journalists of Moulvibazar, who in turn brought the case to the attention of the relevant authorities. It now rests with the higher court to resolve the case the way it deems fit. His wife wants a fair trial, but if he is proved innocent, she wants the authorities to give him back the lost 15 years. But the question is: can time wasted be retrieved?
This is one of the many cases of procrastinating complications of criminal justice system that came to light to point fingers at the inadequacies of the legal system. This must be removed so that no one has to waste valuable years in detention without trial any more. Let the guilt of an accused be proved in a court of law or else let him walk out free.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel.
Comments