Take immediate steps if law enforcers found guilty

Speedy trial of policemen is a sensitive issue. When someone brings an allegation against a member of the law enforcement, we hardly see a quick departmental enquiry. And even when the accused is found guilty, the punishment is on many occasions not implemented.

We have noticed with grave concern that steps against policemen depend on how the media have covered the incident. This does not go with the spirit of the rule of law. We want a general policy that will ensure speedy trial when a member of the law enforcement commits a crime. The number of staff in these forces is quite big. But the government has to show zero tolerance to the ones who engage in criminal activities.

Nigar Sultana, daughter of Nurul Islam, the former president of a platform of road and transport workers in Rajshahi, has recently filed a writ petition with the High Court. The HC in its reply has said, "We have lately noticed that a host of allegations are being brought against police officials and members of the law enforcement across the country." We think this is only a manifestation of the situation prevailing in the country.

Previously there was no dedicated cell to file similar complaints, but there is one now where the victims can write to the IGP. We welcome this initiative. However, chain of command is very important in these forces. The complaints at the upazila level should be disposed by the police superintendent and the DIG. Not all complainants can come to Dhaka to file their complaints. This cell should be there in every district and an independent commission should monitor them.

If there is no system, the complaints will never be disposed of. The cell says victims can file complaints directly or by sending courier or mails. This may continue, but locally there should be an option to file them. If the local government is involved, things may get a little easier. This will be backed by the constitution, too.

The murder case filed in Puthia on the last 11 June bears testimony to this. The police have sat idle despite receiving such a big allegation. After six months, the HC has ordered the case be transferred to the PBI.

We notice indifference on the ACC's part in the Puthia incident. The ACC officials should have intervened immediately, which they did not do. That is why the High Court has passed a verdict asking the ACC to act as per the law of 2004 and the article of 2007. The HC was not supposed to say these things in such details, but they had to do so because rule of law was absent.