BNP slams law-and-order ‘downslide’

BNP standing committee member Selima Rahman today said the incidents of killing, enforced disappearance and rape have now engulfed the country for lack of good governance and impunity culture.

"Rifat was hacked to death in broad daylight on Wednesday. What we see there's no trial of any murder incident. The murderers of Sagar-Runi and Tonu didn't face trial," she said.

Speaking at a discussion, the BNP leader further said, "The incidents of killing and enforced disappearance have now grasped Bangladesh as there's no justice, good governance while the judiciary has gone under the grip of the government."

She also alleged that the law enforcers are abusing power as the government has lost its control over them.

Some unruly youths stabbed 25-year-old Rifat with sharp weapons in front of Barguna Government College on Wednesday morning, leaving him critically injured. He was taken to Barishal Sher-E-Bangla Medical College Hospital where doctors declared him dead.

Selima also voiced deep concern over the growing incidents of social crimes. "Students are now being assaulted by their teachers. Our girls and women are now afraid of teachers as they're turning out to be wolfs."

Though the government used to make promises of taking stern action against offenders whenever any incident happened, she said it hides the incidents a few days later sparing the criminals. "The Nusrat-murder case is now losing its trial pace. We didn't see any fair trial of any sensational incidents in the last 10 years."

Earlier at a human chain programme, she alleged that a grand festival of killing and enforced disappearance and rape is going on in the country, spreading panic among people.

"People now lack the minimum freedom for raising their voice. There's also no justice while killing, rape, corruption and plundering are prevailing everywhere in the country," Selima said.

Jatiyatabadi Mohila Dal arranged the programme in front of the Jatiya Press Club, demanding the release of BNP chairperson Khaleda Zia from jail.

Selima alleged women now have no security in the country as they are being subjected to repression, rape and harassment by the people having political clout.

She said the government can neither control the law enforcers nor the criminal and unethical acts since it has been in power unethically by holding a 'mid-night election'.

Under the circumstance, Selima urged the country's people to wage a strong movement to free Khaleda Zia from jail and 'restore' democracy and the rule of law in the country.