Stop extrajudicial killings, go after drug kingpins

A group of concerned citizens from a human chain in the capital's Shahbagh area yesterday urged the government to put an end to extrajudicial killings in the name of the ongoing anti-narcotics drive and bring actual drug lords to book.  

The human chain was formed in front of the National Museum under the banner “Lekhak-Shilpi-Chhatra-Shikkhak-Sangbadik-Sangskritikormi O Peshahjibibrindo”.  

“The government is yet to take any effective steps to plug the sources of drugs and it didn't take any action against the police officials who are involved in the drug trade,” alleged writer and online activist Rakhal Raha.

He also urged people from all walks of life to come forward and raise voice against “extrajudicial killings”.

Lawyer Jibonanado Jayonto, who is also an online activist, said killing people cannot be the means of controlling narcotics. 

The government is trying to protect the “godfathers” of drugs by killing the insignificant drug sellers or addicts in the name of the drive against drugs, he said, adding, “We are against drugs, but we don't support the killing in the name of such drives.”

Among others, writer-publisher Robin Ahsan and freedom fighter Sheikh Baten Ali also spoke at the human chain.

At least 142 alleged drug peddlers were killed over the last 24 days in “gunfights” with the law enforcement agencies after the government launched the anti-narcotics drive on May 4 across the country.