Right to Security

A High Court Division of the Supreme Court has issued Rule Nisi upon the government, police administration and Dhaka University authorities on a writ filed by Advocate Salma Ali in a matter of grave public importance. The bestial outrage of the modesty of a woman and the gruesome murder of a joint secretary to the government on the DU campus had brought to bold relief a law enforcement pitfall in protecting the life and honour of ordinary citizens. The authorities concerned have to show cause now 'as to why they should not be directed to take steps according to law to eradicate anti-social and criminal activities and to improve the law and order situation in Dhaka city.' A special emphasis has been laid on the citizen's security, especially that of a woman, 'within the DU campus and its adjoining areas.'

In specific terms, the court has directed the government and the police to take action against persons engaged to maintain law and order at the DU campus when those conscience-pricking incidents took place on January 1 and 11.

We wholeheartedly welcome the pro-active role of the judiciary in matters touching up on the fundamental interests of citizenry. Advocate Salma Ali has our plaudits for invoking the writ jurisdiction in defence of the civic right to protection and the dignity of human person.

Coming to the corrective steps of the police after those two incidents we find that: (a) DMP Commissioner AKM Shamsuddin has since been replaced by Matiur Rahman, a former DIG of Dhaka Range; and (b) the new incumbent has dropped something of a bombshell by telling the press that policemen could now shoot a mugger, toll collector or a terrorist in hot pursuit if all attempts to overpower and catch him had failed.

We think bombshells or adhoc measures are not the things that are going to radically improve police performance. The law enforcement agencies will have to be placed on a solid footing with more funds allocated to them so that they are properly equipped and have the proper kind of training imparted to them to handle the situation effectively.