Referring to the brutal murder of Rifat Sharif, National Human Rights Commission Chairman Kazi Reazul Hoque has said the ongoing “culture of impunity” and “lengthy legal process” are the reasons behind the rise in such heinous crimes in the country. He further stated that the rule of law has not yet been established in the country. His observations are so non-serious and evasive that he is no help for the protection of human rights. His existence is not known for any good to be expected. It is the political climate of fear and impunity, and not social culture of impunity. And that is why Rifat was murdered in the broad daylight and Nusrat was burnt to death in the madrasa building where she was a student.
While the High Court observed that the way Rifat was killed and the role of bystanders are the pictures of social degradation it was also quite astonishing to not see the police playing a role in stopping the murder. Two days into the murder two prime accused — Sabbir Hossain Nayan and Rifat Farajee — are still at large. We are not interested in the number of persons arrested. We want that no innocent people should be arrested to show police power and the people’s helplessness. The surprise expressed by their Lordships at people’s reluctance to come forward to stop the killing is not based on realistic assessment of law and order situation in the country. Now they have found that those responsible for the savagery are a gang of dangerous criminals enjoying political and police protection. They feel extremely powerful for getting away with all sorts of crimes. The police were fully aware of their activities but law and justice is also not strong for police to take risk.
In our present situation the reality is everyone of us is fearful of one’s security. The protection of law is not sure and certain. We must not ignore the all around insecurity created politically for a political purpose.
The role of the police in the last general election is too glaring not to notice. The people’s police cannot be relied on as such.
Where we have failed to ensure the rule of law and impartiality of the police and the political leaders are patrons of young criminals for using them as political muscle we should all know what a dangerous situation exists for everyone’s safety.
The justification of police does not lie in becoming active under orders from above and makes arrests in a hurry but in their efficiency and effectiveness in preventing crimes. This attitude is not being emphasised.
We urge the police not to harass innocent family members and others to take advantage of the people’s helplessness. Things are bound to change and we should all see to it that change is not vengeful. Our hope lies in strong Supreme Court.
