US for capturing 'kingpins'

Expressing concern over the growing number of people dying in crackdown on drug dealers, the United States yesterday emphasised catching “kingpins” and finding the sources of illegal drugs.

It also stressed bringing those responsible to justice, respecting human rights.

“I always ask [that] human rights are respected and people everywhere can have the confidence that right individual has been caught, right individual is punished and that no one is taking the law in their own hands,” said US Ambassador in Dhaka Marcia Bernicat yesterday.

The US diplomat said it is really import to find out the sources and capturing and convicting not only the dealers but also the kingpins.

She was talking to reporters at the secretariat after her meeting with Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan. Bernicat said she covered a number of issues, including the “killings” that have been taking place as part of the government's campaign against drugs.

The ambassador said all the countries are fighting against illegal drugs as it kills people, destroys families and cripples economies.

She also emphasised educating people as one of the options to fight the menace.

“On the other hand, goal should be zero tolerance. Goal should be trying to bring everyone to justice,” she said, adding that no country did find a foolproof way of fighting against drugs.