The promptness is also important in another sense. This was not just another case of murder. This is the first time in our history that the terrorists had targeted our judiciary. It will be well for all to remember that in targeting the two judges the perpetrators were not only targeting an institution of the state but were attempting to strike at the very foundation of the state structure itself.

Now that an important part of the judicial process has been completed, and for all concerned, particularly the families of the innocent victims, justice has been done, it is hoped that the case will be brought to a conclusion through the completion of the process, which is the execution of the verdict, after fulfillment of all the remaining procedures, if preferred, i.e. appeal to the highest court and applying for presidential pardon.

We hope that the death sentence will have dealt a body blow to the religious radicals in Bangladesh and we hope also that this will convey to their sponsors, both at home and abroad, that similar fate awaits them should they ever attempt to repeat their acts.

However, there is one thing though that we must not overlook, and that is the safety of the victims' families. There is no denying that the fanatics may still have their supporters who might try to take it out on the victims' families. We would hope that the administration would address the matter and ensure adequate security to them.