MP killing must be properly probed
The recent murder of the ruling party member of parliament is a matter of serious concern. The manner in which the killers entered the house of Awami League MP Manzurul Islam Liton and shot him dead, clearly indicates the pathetic state of law and order. On the same day, an Awami League leader in Khulna was shot at, but the bullet hit and killed an innocent woman who was passing by. The home minister may insist that all is well with the state of law and order, but these incidents prove otherwise.
The police have so far arrested and interrogated 18 persons in connection with Manzurul Islam Liton’s murder, though they have not revealed the identity of these persons. However, Awami League general secretary and the road transport and communications minister Obaidul Quader has hinted at religious fanatic forces. Such possibilities cannot be ignored, but one shouldn’t jump to conclusions either, without specific evidence. It is more important to nab the killer than to try to get political mileage out of this incident. The incident has also brought into limelight the issue of security for people’s representatives.
The murder reminds us of the killings of former finance minister Shah AMS Kibria and Ahsanullah Master during the BNP government rule. It should be looked into whether there are personal, intra-party or vested political interests involved in the murder. It is important not only to catch the killers, but also those behind the killing and to unearth the motive of the murder. Manzurul Islam Liton had come into the news for having shot a child in Sundarganj. No matter what kind of person he may have been, the killing of an MP is unwarranted.
The number of killings over the recent years in Bangladesh has increased significantly. There have been killings in political programmes, in the name of controlling terrorism and in the hands of militants. That means the number and power of killers is on the rise. It is unfortunate that the home minister refuses to acknowledge this. The government must look at the situation from the point of overall stability and public security. The police and other intelligence agencies must carry out thorough investigations.