Banshkhali tragedy, not an ordinary crime
Why even the innocent four-day-old baby had to die? Who can console the sole surviving member of the family who has lost all his nearest and dearest?
The culprits torched the house with the inmates locked in, and left the scene when they were sure that all was finished. Eleven men and women were burnt to death alive! After the massacre, many ministers, leaders and police officers rushed to the spot. Some of them have commented that it was the act of a gang of robbers, while others, including the local chairman, have termed it as a pre-planned carnage.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. If the motive was robbery, why haven't they broken the steal almirah and taken away the valuables? Whatever may be the motive of the killings, the culprits and their accomplices should be brought to justice as soon as possible and given exemplary punishment.
This is the third incident of killing of minority people by torching in that region. So, the authorities should not be in undue haste in making any comment. The minority community in Bangladesh is helpless and insecure, though the majority may not understand the feelings of the minority. I request the government of Bangladesh to ensure security of the minority community.
It's very shocking for all of us that 11 members of a minority family, including a four-day-old baby, were burnt to death as robbers (??!!) set fire to a two storied earthen house in a village in Banshkhali upazila, only 30 miles off our major port city.
Ministers, high officials including the IGP and so many dignitaries visited the place by a special helicopter and gave 50 thousand taka and assured the victims of more help, including setting up of a temporary police camp there. Was it an acceptable solution? Where are our lawmakers, politicians and civil society members?
Gopal Sengupta and Shyamali Sengupta, Montreal, Quebec, Canada