BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia claimed at her press conference on Tuesday that 300 activists of the BNP-led alliance were victims of unlawful killings and disappearances between December 26 and January 27.
These claims must be properly and independently investigated. There should be no impunity for unlawful deaths at any time, whatever the context.
It is important both for the families of victims and the rule of law that any allegation of this serious nature is always subject to a credible and timely independent investigation. It is additionally important at this time because they come when human rights groups have expressed concern about the phenomenon of suspicious crossfire deaths.
According to Ain O Salish Kendra, at least 15 people were killed in what were alleged to be gun-fights with police, RAB and members of other law enforcing agencies between January 1 and January 27. It was reported that these people were largely activists of Jamaat-Shibir believed to have been involved in recent political violence and communal attacks.
The government should support independent enquiries into any and all allegations of this type.
Open and transparent investigation is necessary for justice. It is the only way to both credibly test claims where they are disputed by the police, and to open the way to justice when they are proven.
In the light of the allegations made and the large number of BNP alliance related activists who have been arrested or detained recently, the government should guard against future incidents arising. It should support independent enquires into allegations and publicly order law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety of all those taken into custody.