Main accused of Rifat’s murder yet to be arrested

In a previous editorial, we wrote that the criminals who viciously murdered Rifat Sharif in broad daylight and in front of his wife would not have done so, had they not believed for some reason that they could get away with it. And surely enough, we now have our answer. The answer is that the killers were connected in a whole host of ways to local AL leaders who are now pointing fingers at each other for patronising these goons. It is through connections with these leaders that these elements gained power in Barguna, so much so that one of the main accused, Sabbir Hossain Nayan, despite being apprehended with drugs previously, was roaming around freely which gave him the opportunity to murder Rifat.

Nayan is close to a local lawmaker. On the other hand, Rifat Farajee and Risan Farajee, who are also suspects in the case, are nephews of the chairman of Barguna district council. While the two factions have tried to distance themselves from all three suspects after the murder, reports suggest that the only reason why this gang—known as 007—managed to amass such power and influence in the area was because of the backing they were given by the local leaders.

Under the circumstances, we cannot help but question whether these murderers are still being shielded from the process of law because of their political connections. Otherwise, why is it that they are still at large when their identities are well-established?

The entire situation is indicative of the prevailing state of the rule of law—where criminals are groomed by influential quarters and elevated to a point where they believe they can get away with doing whatever they want. And indeed, in many cases they literally do.

We hope this time it will prove to be different, and those who so brutally murdered Rifat in front of his helplessly protesting wife are exemplarily punished.