Rule of law prevails

A cross section of people yesterday hailed the Supreme Court (SC) verdict on Bangabandhu murder case saying eventually justice has prevailed.

Expressing immediate reactions to the verdict many city dwellers in different public places said the nation was relieved to hear the judgement of the apex court of the country.

The SC yesterday upheld the High Court (HC) verdict that had sentenced 12 retired and dismissed army men to death in Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman assassination case.

Expressing satisfaction over the verdict, many city dwellers demanded immediate execution of the persons involved in the horrendous crime while some city residents expressed their concern for the possible trouble ahead of execution of the verdict.

Dhaka University Prof Aminul Islam said the verdict has a historic significance. It will help establish the rule of law in the country in future, he said adding, "It is a matter of great relief and satisfaction."

Mannan Talukdar, a businessman involved in garment accessory trade, said, “It is high time the killers got what they deserve. Enough and enough has been talked about the death of a family. Now all should accept the verdict regardless of differences of opinion and ideology.”

Dhaka University student Ahsanul Islam Chanchal said, "This justice has long been a demand of mass people, especially the new generation."

Sohrab Hossain, a rickshaw puller in the city, said, "the trial of criminals should have been held much earlier. I feel really happy that it has been done in the end."

Abu Sayeed, manager of a store in Bashundhara City, said, “The trial began 10 years ago. The procrastination in delivering justice gave us a feeling that there is no rule of law in this country. But now we are satisfied that justice has been served finally, though delayed.”

Another Dhaka University student Tania Hossain said, "The verdict will be considered as a historic achievement of the government. I welcome the verdict."

Tanshen Hossain, a bank employee, welcomed the judgement and urged the government to start trial of war criminals and jail killings.

An orthopaedics specialist Dr SM Idris while shopping at Bashundhara City said, “Punishment should be meted out as soon as possible to rid the nation of anxiety.”

Meanwhile, the atmosphere in general was tense in the capital yesterday with the people taking extra precautions fearing untoward incidents. Many of them stayed indoors and the streets remained comparatively free from traffic gridlock.

Many buses and minibuses did not ply till afternoon. Crowds were thin in the markets.

Akram Hossain, a salesman in Farmview Super Market in Farmgate said, “Awami League came to power once before. Why did they take so long for the trial? Now they should hold trials of other political killings including the assassination of Ziaur Rahman.”

Mohammad Suman, an hotelier, expressed his concern that something ominous might happen before the execution is carried out.

“Six accused are absconding. Who knows how many years it would take to bring them back. Let's see the execution of the criminals first and then I will comment over it,” he said.

Abul Hossain, a vendor on Dhaka University campus, said, "I am happy that murderers of Bangabandhu, who earned us independence, will be hanged."

Abdul Mannan, an auto-rickshaw puller in the city, said, "It is of course a good news. General people would like to see each of the criminals executed."

Speculating sabotage security was beefed up across the country yesterday. About 12,000 additional policemen were deployed in the country with many guarding strategic points and buildings.

The day, however, ended without any unwanted incidents, much to the relief of general people.