Anti-narcotic drive
Expressing concern over the deaths of a large number of 'drug peddlers' in the ongoing anti-narcotic drive, the Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) labelled the killings as 'unconstitutional'.
The anti-graft watchdog also questioned the explanation of the deaths, given by the law-enforcement agencies, and sought judicial probe into the 'gunfights'.
TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman in a statement on Thursday said the constitution of the country has given all citizens the right to justice.
He said the government is saying that the anti-drug campaign is going on according to the list of drug dealers, prepared on the basis of intelligence reports.
"Still, there are questions regarding the legal acceptance of the process."
"Besides, the way the 'listed persons' are killed before getting accused in the judicial system is completely unconstitutional," he added.
Mentioning the government's claim of the drug dealers' firing back as a measure of safeguard, he said, "We don't know about any follow-up of legal process to ascertain its authenticity."
He also said in general, it seems that only the small drug peddlers and the users have become the victims of 'gunfights'.
Stating that these people could be used as crucial informants to resolve drug problem permanently, Mr Zaman said, "Because of the deaths of the small-scale drug sellers, the kingpins of drug business will remain out of sight."
He said gunfight has not been proved as an effective tool to control spread of drug anywhere in the world.
- Courtesy: The Financial Express /June 01. 2018
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