Former planning minister MA Mannan being granted bail in the case filed against him on September 2 is the right move, and once again gives us hope that this is a government that listens to reason. Moreover, credit must also be given to the courts for recognizing that keeping him in jail ever since September 19 given his medical condition was not the rational nor the humane decision.
While the interim government has been tasked with challenges beyond comprehension and has, given the circumstances, done an admirable job, one of the main criticisms during its brief tenure has been the manner in which former political leaders have been jailed and oftentimes denied not only bail, but safety.
While frustration and resentment towards these individuals may be warranted, that is no reason for these individuals to be mistreated the way they have been. Such behaviour, of jailing and treating these people as dangerous criminals, is not fit for the Bangladesh we collectively wish to build, and is just a continuation of the practices we witnessed during the 15-years of the Awami League who would use such coercion tactics to stifle any opposition or dissent.
However, with the bail to MA Mannan, we hope that it is the first step to a turnaround with regard to how our courts and the interim government treats those affiliated with the fallen Awami League, and indeed any potential criminals.
We have forgotten that people are innocent until proven guilty, and even when guilty, must be treated humanely and with respect. This should be the norm expected and established in Bangladesh 2.0.