It is concerning that the three-member probe committee formed to look into the allegations of negligence by law enforcers during last month’s murder of Avijit Roy outside Dhaka University has found “no fault” among on-duty police personnel.
While it had previously said some on-duty officials had not performed their duties properly at the time of the attack, the committee is now stating only that there may have been defects in co-ordination.
At the time, it was widely noted that when Avijit and his wife Bonna were attacked, a number of on-duty policemen standing close by did not act to stop or apprehend the assailants. Given the high profile security attached to the book fair location at the time, this pointed to negligence on the part of officers stationed nearby. This point has now been reinforced by the help shown by courageous members of the public in apprehending the suspected attackers of Oyasiqur Rahman.
Speaking at a public meeting after the attack, a prime ministerial adviser had publicly recommended to the inspector general of police that the probe needed to “identify black sheep among the force” and hold them to account.
The probe committee consisting of police officials appears however to have interpreted the case in a defensive and narrow manner.
An independent inquiry is needed to make sure necessary lessons will be learned to prevent future negligence by law enforcers. Anything less will fail to reassure the public this case is being fully addressed, and any failings will be held to account.