This editorial is not based on the US State Department's human rights report for 2016 but it validates what we have been reporting and commenting on -- that the extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detentions, and forced disappearances that have gone on over the years, pose a most significant threat to human rights in Bangladesh. Unfortunately, fingers have mostly been pointed at law enforcing agencies for these rights violations, and with good reasons, given the testimonies and information often provided by those close to the victims.

At the same time, the administration has not been able to give any credible explanation for the large number of people killed under questionable circumstances, unlawful detentions, and forced disappearances that have been reported. Oftentimes, it has gone so far as to even deny the existence of such unlawful activities, accusing those missing of 'hiding', while dismissing concerns regarding their safety as expressed by their relatives.

Certainly the government and law enforcing agencies are responsible for law and order and preventing any form of terrorism. But under the guise of carrying out its duties, law enforcing agencies should not circumvent the rule of law or the due process of justice. And at the same time, the government should institute inquiries into allegations of the law enforcing agencies crossing the line, and take appropriate action to redress the situation wherever necessary.

Such practices do nothing but reduce public confidence in law enforcing agencies and the rule of law. As such, we hope that the government will bring an end to extrajudicial killings, arbitrary and unlawful detentions and forced disappearances.