Equal before the law
The truth of the statement that justice delayed is justice denied cannot be overstated. Quick disposal of cases is undoubtedly crucial for effective dispensation of justice, and no accused should have to be in custody a minute longer than justice states. As such, the importance of bail hearings is part of the process of justice itself. Recently, merely hours after a Jubo League leader was arrested in connection with the death of two teenagers in Saturday's intra-party clash in Mohammadpur, he was released on bail. The speed with which the court came to its decision is exemplary and laudable. We only wish that this was the norm.
We raise the issue because of the sharp contrast this sets with other recent cases of repeated denials of bail or indefinite postponement of bail hearings, as seen with opposition political activists and critical voices. In this, we are not questioning the court's judgement or saying whether bail should be granted or not—that is for the courts to decide as they have done in the case of the Jubo League leader. We only urge that the legal process in all cases be prompt in its hearing and dispensation as it was in this instance. It is now for law enforcement to investigate the violence and the involvement of the accused.
On another point, there remain some concerns in the matter of the intra-party violence and the deaths of the two teenagers. The violence, involving hammers, sharp weapons and brickbats, was a threat to common citizens. What action is being taken to investigate the matter? Is there any progress in identifying others involved in the incident? And what about the allegations of trying to resolve a criminal case through monetary compensation out of court (although the commissioner has denied it)?
In the run-up to the national elections, violence of this scale, especially between members of the same party, cannot be tolerated. The party and law enforcement, must act decisively to investigate the matter, ensure proper judicial process and compensation for the victims' families. And, we can only hope, the laudable and exemplary speed with which the courts have acted in the matter will be the norm and not the exception.
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