An independent probe into train arson is urgently called for
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called the December 19 arson attack on a train, Mahanagar Express, a terrorist act.
Apparently, it was not an accident. The attack that killed four including a woman and her child was as despicable as it could be.
It was cruel and inhuman. After the fire was extinguished, the charred body of the mother was still holding her baby upon her bosom. She must be struggling to save her child.
The only thing at the moment she could do was helplessly hold the baby tightly upon her bosom.
For quite some time now, buses as well as trains are going up in flames. Soon after October 28 political violence involving police, Awami League activists and BNP activists, this kind of arson incidents has increased.
For a long time, the country did not witness political programmes like hartals and blockades; because the opposition BNP seemed to have taken a policy of peaceful demonstrations to press home its demands that recently became a one-point: The resignation of the incumbent government.
However, it was after the declaration of polls schedule of 12th national elections by the Election Commission, the frequency of fire incidents increased.
But who is doing it? From the government it is said that the opposition is to blame for fire incidents, while from the opposition it is claimed that the government itself is doing it with an aim to tarnish the image of BNP as a peaceful political party and take advantage politically.
This blame game between the AL and BNP goes on as the police up until now fail to catch anyone who was doing the heinous acts of setting public transport on fire. Monday’s gruesome arson incident is also shrouded in mystery.
According to one who got injured in the incidents, there had been two persons with uniform of train staff moving through the coaches with the train’s fire extinguishing equipment just before the fire. To him, they might have been responsible for the arson incident.
His statement supports the claim that the incident is a possible act of sabotage. However, this is also a conjecture. The BNP, on the other hand, denied any involvement calling a proper investigation.
We are informed that a five-member probe team has been formed to investigate the fire incident. But this probe must be independent and neutral.
A judicial inquiry here is preferable. Mere blaming each other will not help. Unless the real culprits are nabbed and their identities are exposed before the nation with stringent punishment for the crime, we will not see any let-up in these mindless acts of violence.
