Politically motivated murders must be stopped

It is alarming that nearly sixty political activists have been killed in the country during the first five and a half months of this year.

According to a newspaper report, the vast majority of the victims were activists of the ruling party, the BNP.While violence is not new to the country’s political culture, the recent surge in the killings of political activists and leaders cannot be overlooked. As such loss of life serves as an ominous sign for democracy, the rule of law, and the public safety alike.

An analysis of statistics from the human rights organization Ain o Salish Kendra data reveals that the highest number of lives have been lost in incidents involving factional infighting and clashes or attacks involving activists from rival political parties.

These fatalities demonstrate just how acute the conflict of interests in politics has become. Loss of life resulting in from local disputes, land issues, or family feuds is also distressing. We believe that political differences should never lead to the loss of life.

Political rivalry among opponents can be conducted through arguments, public support, or elections; the use of weapons, attacks, and killings is by no means justifiable.

The most disheartening aspect is the loss of life resulting in from infighting among members of the same party. Statistics reveal that out of 59 political activists killed within a span of five and a half months, 45 belonged to the BNP.

There is no alternative to healthy politics to put an end to this political criminalization.

Even when cases are often filed and arrests made, the judicial process is frequently called into question due to undue delays, or flaws in the investigation.

This fosters a culture of impunity among offenders and further encourages violence. Also when perpetrators are granted immunity by their own political parties, they become even more reckless in their criminal activities.Thus, political parties have no alternative but to adopt a strict stance.

They must take a firm stand against any member involved in killings, violence, or any other criminal activity.

The objective of politics should be to ensure human welfare and protect lives, not to take them away. Therefore, a concerted effort by the government, political parties, law enforcement agencies, and civil society is required to put an end to political violence.

Only an impartial investigation into every killing, speedy trials, and an end to the culture of impunity can break this vicious cycle of political violence.