Why this delay in submitting charge sheets?

It is so unfortunate that three years after the arson attacks and vandalism on the homes and temples of Hindus in Brahmanbaria's Nasirnagar upazila, the investigations have not been completed. Reportedly, among the eight cases that were filed with the Nasirnagar Police Station after the attacks, only in one case have the police submitted the charge sheet. But unfortunately, in that case too, no hearing has taken place till today. Moreover, those who were arrested in connection with the case are all now out on bail.

Given the inordinately prolonged legal process, one wonders if the victims of the attacks will ever get justice. The fate of other similar cases in the past does not give us much hope. The victims of communal violence in Ramu, Cox's Bazar, in 2012 and in Horkoli Thakurpara, Rangpur, in 2017 are still waiting for justice.

However, since the attacks in Nasirnagar took place in broad daylight and the police have enough evidence already to press charges against the perpetrators, we hope they will soon submit the investigation reports in all the cases. And the higher authorities in the police force should monitor the whole investigation process so that there is no scope for manipulation. In the meantime, the witnesses should be protected from any harm.

Moreover, just like the recent Bhola incident, the violence in Nasirnagar was also triggered by an anti-religious Facebook post, which was later found to be fake. Since a majority of the incidents of communal violence in the recent past took place because of posts on the social media, it is imperative that the government finds a way to ensure the security of the social media users. 

The delay in the investigations and the culture of impunity that this breeds are the reasons why the minority communities across the country have to live in constant fear. This must end.