Rab and Independence Day Award
Rapid Action Battalion (Rab), the elite force, which was set up by the present government for maintaining rule of law is being criticised by different quarters both nationally and internationally for their activities like extra judicial killing. And in the name of crossfire or encounter the government is trying to justify those killings.
Both nationally and internationally the government gave the justification of
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. such killings by saying that the Rab has improved law and order situation of the country and is eradicating crime and also the government is proud to say that the actions of Rab against criminals have already drawn widespread support of the people. But the fact is that the people are frustrated with the gradual deterioration of law and order and their support for the killings by Rab is in reality a vindication of their loss of confidence in the existing law enforcement agencies and the judiciary to maintain law and order and deliver justice.
Despite huge loads of criticism and demand for judicial probe into each allegation of extra judicial killing, none of the allegation has gone under judicial investigation so far. Instead, Rab has been rewarded!
It is true Rab has succeeded in arresting most wanted criminals and militants. For the performance, it deserves praise and I think the people also hailed them. But in no way can the nomination of Rab for the prestigious Independence Award could be justified as the extra judicial killings committed by them have clearly gone against the spirit of rule of law and democracy. Noteworthy is that during 1971 our people fought and sacrificed their lives, honour and wealth with a view to establishing democracy, rule of law where every citizen, irrespective of their social standing, would be able to enjoy basic human rights.
According to the notion of rule of law, every person must be prosecuted in a court of law for the offence committed by him or her, and in that process he or she must have the opportunity to defend himself or herself through a lawyer, irrespective of whether the individual is a criminal or not. This provision is also embodied in our constitution under articles 27, 31, 32, 33 and 35.