ED: A criminal is a criminal

It is most encouraging to hear Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina tell BCS law and administration cadres that they must take appropriate action against all those responsible for criminal activity, regardless of their identity.

After all, as the PM has rightfully stated, we should “consider the criminals as criminals,” and treat them accordingly, ensuring that the law stands strong against any form of injustice suffered by the citizens across the country.

The PM’s words echo the founding principles of the nation, chief among them the ideas of democracy and equality. Unfortunately, all too often, due to the widespread existence of corruption in many of our public institutions, people are prioritized due to their affiliation to people in power or other influential quarters, essentially creating a class of people above who exist with impunity above the law.

Such an attitude only serves to stain the many great achievements of our nation over the last decade, and creates a society in which crimes and criminals thrive, rewarding avarice and amorality over virtue.

What is wrong is wrong, and we must nurture an environment which holds on to its principles -- this can only be done through a no-tolerance policy for corrupt behaviour within our government institutions and punishment for those who do not adhere to these values.

By reserving such preferential treatment for the wealthy and powerful, we only hurt ourselves in the long term. Any developed nation must uphold the rule of law and due process across the board. If we fail to do that, all our rights are in jeopardy.