Punishing rapists
TIB decries MPs plea for extra-judicial killings
Staff Reporter, Dhaka
Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern and condemned lawmakers demand in Parliament for extrajudicial killing of accused rapists. The corruption watchdog has urged that all such speeches delivered in Parliament on January 14 be expunged, since these are in clear conflict with the constitutionally recognised rule of law, human rights and justice.
TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman, in a statement yesterday (Tuesday), said: As per media reports, some lawmakers expressed frustration and resentment during a discussion in Parliament on prevention of rape incidents, that are recently increasing at an alarming rate. They demanded encounters to suppress the crime. Such a demand is condemnable and alarming.
Upholding the effectiveness of such a method in curbing other crimes, the lawmakers vehemently demanded the same method for rape cases. On the one hand, it accurately proves the long-standing allegations of extra-judicial killings against law enforcers; on the other hans, it upholds the condemnable encouragement and wholesale support of the lawmakers for such an illegal method, which is an ominous sign for democratic progress, transparency, accountability and good governance, he added.
Such an illegal and uncalled-for demand in Parliament is nothing but an attempt to institutionalise the insurmountable impediments on the path of justice, human rights and the rule of law, he added. We want to believe that such comments are driven by emotion. But, being lawmakers, how can they forget their pledge to defend the rule of law, justice and human rights! Its very painful and everyone is stunned. Such a stand will push the professionalism of law enforcers to degradation. The loss of confidence in the judicial process among people will increase. The tendency to break the law among law enforcers will increase and the culture of trigger-happy police will evolve, he continued.
He also mentioned that such an immature comment is a dishonour to the democratic values of the state and it is also condemnable to the previous observations of the apex court on encounters and the signing of the international human rights conventions by Bangladesh. Every citizen of Bangladesh is undoubtedly very much unsafe and concerned about the recent spiralling of rape incidents. Everyone demands that such crime has to be prevented by ensuring exemplary punishment under the purview of law, not by violating the law. Rather, ensure justice by increasing the excellence of the judicial process and by emphasising the professionalism of the law enforcers, he observed.
Wed like to urge honourable lawmakers that such comments are squarely inconsistent and in conflict with the sustainable development goals (SDGs)-16 which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies for sustainable development, provides access to justice for all and builds effective, accountable and inclusive institutions at all levels, he added. We strongly demand complete withdrawal of all illogical speeches and their expungement immediately, he said.
