Editorial
Satkhira incident
Highhandedness should have been avoided
THE manner in which a group of Bangladesh Rifles (BDR) personnel assaulted and injured a Municipal commissioner, some 50 common people and members of the press in Satkhira on Sunday evokes condemnation. They allegedly went out in a body with the mood for vendetta when the local commissioner handed over a BDR man to the police for his questionable behaviour. Instead of allowing law to take its own course, the BDR men purportedly picked up the commissioner and beat him up for his initiative. It is further deplorable that they did not even spare women inside shops or households while venting out their rage. And the assault on the members of the press was reprehensible as they were only performing their duty. It was a gross violation of professional norms as we understand and therefore the persons responsible should be held accountable after thorough investigation as per law.
Members of the BDR have credible track records of maintaining law and order in the border areas and at times of national emergency. It is known to be a disciplined force that guards our borders to check infiltration of terrorists, smuggling of valuable commodities and human trafficking among shouldering other responsibilities. No doubt this track record has been built through hard work and sincerity over the decades. But, unfortunately, the highhanded action of some members of the force on Sunday may have tarnished their image. We believe this needs to be emphasised that the offenders are neither above the law, nor can they expect immunity for any kind of unsocial behaviour. They are as much a part of this society as we all are; hence they must abide by the norms and values that are commonly practised.
It is good news that the district officials including the police superintendent of Satkhira have assured the people of an investigation into the unfortunate incident. To set examples of fairness, we hope the BDR authorities would consider the matter with due seriousness and take disciplinary action against those found responsible for the untoward incident. We want to see BDR keeping its reputation as the sentinels of our borders.
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