Who will answer for the ‘shootout’ killings?
Govt. must establish accountability in the security forces
The deaths of five persons in "shootouts" in different districts, and the manner in which those were explained away by the responsible agencies, show how this method of dealing with alleged criminals has become a law enforcement tool in Bangladesh. The latest incidents saw three different agencies, including the police, Rab and BGB, use maximum force to address a law and order situation. Their excuse—"self-defence"—is not convincing enough given the alarming regularity with which such incidents are taking place. We find this extremely disturbing, not least because it violates the victims' right to justice. It also undermines the judicial system, consequently eroding the public's faith in it. Importantly, it also shows the increasing acceptance of extrajudicial means among a cross-section of law enforcement agencies who find it quick, efficient and rid of bureaucratic hurdles—making them judge, jury, and executioner all at once.
Just how pervasive the trend has become can be understood from the Ain o Salish Kendra's year-on-year data on extrajudicial killings. According to ASK, 170 people were killed in "crossfire" since January, taking this year's average monthly death toll to 34. Compare that to last year's toll which saw 365 people killed, meaning an average of 30 deaths every month. Last year saw the highest number of extrajudicial killings since the first incident of "crossfire" death in the country in 2004—due in large part to the government's crackdown on drugs.
We have often questioned this method in this column but it bears reiterating that this is totally unacceptable in a democratic country. At the heart of the problem seems to be a latent disregard for law. The checks and balances within the forces seem to have become non-functional. One casualty of this systematic malfunction is Bangladesh's reputation, both at home and abroad. The government must not entertain this any longer and should establish transparency and accountability in the agencies involved in maintaining law and order.