Deaths of BDR men in custody
WE express our deep concern over the deaths of some BDR personnel in the custody of the various law enforcing agencies. The issue is important on two counts: one, we are talking about human life; two, we are talking about the image of the country. Bangladesh has an empowered and functional judicial system that can take care of such crimes. Therefore, in no way, extra-judicial measures can be given a blank cheque by anybody. To be candid, unusual deaths of suspects in custody is an endemic problem in this country. Therefore, the explanation of the deaths of BDR men given by representatives of the security forces do not always sound credible enough. Such deaths remind us of the old issue of custodial deaths under the past governments, which have been widely criticised by the people of this country, including this daily. Despite repeated urging, no government launched a vigorous investigation to unearth the truth behind such unwarranted deaths in police custody.
Reportedly, suspects in custody have in most cases been denied access to lawyers and family members. Hence, the government should take effective measures to ensure accountability and transparency in the process of investigation and holding of the trial. We believe this is a suggestion worth pondering since we do not want the whole issue to be blown out of proportion. If the number of custodial deaths continues to mount, we fear it might as well become a serious international issue that might become too hot to handle at some stage.
We have always been vocal against all sorts of extra-judicial killings and custodial deaths and once again we urge the government to look into the deaths of the BDR personnel. No more detainees must die under suspicious circumstances while in the custody of the government law enforcers. Everyone has the right to trial and justice. Let the law take its own course.
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