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Download PDF Legal experts and academics at a dialogue in the city yesterday apprehended that ignorance about the urgency of protecting fundamental rights and preventing extra-judicial killings in the name of ‘crossfire’ would lead the society to self-destruction.
Such violence and immunity to criminals usually begin on a small scale but gradually increase to such an extent that they occur systematically, threatening the whole society, they observed.
Samaj Rupantor Oddhyan Kendra (SROK), a social studies centre, organised the dialogue on ‘Extra-legal state intervention in citizens’ rights’, held at the Jatiya Press Club.
Referring to extra-judicial killings by Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), Dr Shahdeen Malik in his keynote presentation said when the state ignores its fundamental duty of safeguarding rights of citizens, and systematically violates citizens’ rights, it cannot but become a matter of grave concern and apprehension.
“I am afraid, we may have reached that plateau where violations of citizens’ rights are no longer sporadic or isolated events, but are the results of total disregard of the fundamental norms of governance and respect for rights of citizens,” he said.
In an oblique reference to the controversy over confirmation of two judges of the High Court Division of the Supreme Court (SC) and recognition of Kawmi madrasas, the SC advocate said systematic violation of citizens’ rights cannot but lead to violation of institutional norms, practices and conventions.
“As a result, these institutions began to flounder, as we have seen this week in the Supreme Court and institutions of so-called education, which will now be equated with public universities. These are clear signs of a collapsing society, at least anarchy is not too far away,” Dr Malik said.
Columnist Syed Abul Maksud said the present government is pushing the nation towards moral destruction since it is killing people violating their right to justice and speaking lies that the killings took place in ‘encounters’.
Immunity to the killers is more dangerous for the society, he said. “You can never say that the number of such killings will not reach hundreds everyday.”
SROK Chairman Prof Sirajul Islam Chowdhury, who chaired the dialogue, said the judiciary is making no effort to look into the issue of extra-judicial killings since it is not independent, and it rather cares for what the government instructs.
The parliament also does not have any accountability, he said, adding that the ruling class is becoming more powerful day by day and is violating civil rights.
On recognition of Kawmi madrasas, the eminent educationist said by doing this, the government is pushing back the education system in the country.
Referring to extra-judicial killings, justice Golam Rabbani said, “Unless democratic values and rule of law are established, such violation of rights is hard to stop.”
Dhaka University Professor CR Abrar said it is a matter of grave concern that a section of people think such killings are usual.
He regretted that Leader of the Opposition Sheikh Hasina also assured that Rab would be continued if her party comes to power.
Other speakers included Communist Party of Bangladesh (CPB) leader Ruhin Hossain Prince, Advocate Abdus Salam, Advocate Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury, Abdul Mannan, Saiful Islam and Zunaid Saki. SROK Coordinator Enamul Haque moderated the dialogue.
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