A public hearing is underway to bring the perpetrators of the seven sensational Narayanganj killings to justice, but a number of questions remain unanswered.
Indeed, ordinary citizens are confused as to exactly how many people were involved in committing the murders. While, so far, a total of six people have been charged in the cases filed in connection with the abduction and murder of Nazrul Islam, rumours abound that as many as 18 or even 22 people were involved in the crime.
We are concerned that despite the public hearings, so much information about the culprits remains shrouded in mystery and speculation.
It is widely thought some parties involved remain at large and may not be charged, either because they have fled justice, are hiding out abroad, or because they enjoy protection from influential quarters.
All these conflicting facts are preventing the judicial process from being seen as fair and open. The government owes it to the Bangladeshi public to clear up the miasma involving numbers in these cases. It is unclear how many of the accused have been identified publicly, and how many enjoy protection.
This particular case is unique even in our own history of murders and abductions. The involvement of criminality in political ranks, and in elite forces such as RAB has been exposed. There are lessons to be learnt from all this. Rogue elements within our law enforcement must be dealt with swiftly and transparently to prevent such crimes from happening in the future.
Source: Dhaka Tribune