Stop extrajudicial killings, ensure accountability by credible investigation: TIB 

Recently, a former army officer was killed in a shooting by police in Cox's Bazar. There is no alternative to ensuring strict accountability through a credible investigation into this incident, reads a press release issued by Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Wednesday. 

The statement of the Army after 'preliminary investigation' is in contrast to the multiple cases filed by the police in this regard. 

The TIB wants that these contradictions should be properly taken into account and an acceptable investigation should be carried out to inform people if police fired in self-defense or not. 

Moreover, all rights must be ensured, including the safety of fellow students and other potential witnesses of this incident, it reads.

This incident is not an isolated one, but an example of the transformation of the culture of extrajudicial killings into normalcy.

According to media reports, the anti-drug drives began across the country since May 4, 2018. And 287 people have been killed in more than hundreds of 'gun battles' with police, BGB and RAB in Cox's Bazar district alone until July 30 this year, reads the statement.

The constitution of the country has given the right to legal protection to all citizens. But it has not given any right to kill anyone without trial even if they are involved in the drug business. 

The mass media have also published reports that several of the victims were not involved in the yaba business.

The organisations concerned or those who are directly involved in the incidents cannot avoid responsibility. 

The yaba business could not be curbed in the country, while the 'large players' are in a state of 'institutional protection.'

And the law enforcers and other forces are killing some primary-level drug dealers and a number of 'innocent' people in guise of 'gunfight.'

There were no acceptable investigations and legal action against these cases. So, the law enforcement agencies of the country have got the impunity for extrajudicial killings, says the press statement.

The killing of a former army officer in a police firing should be considered in the light of this overall situation, because the constitution of the country does not allow the killing of any citizen without trial. 

TIB expects that the government will take effective measures to ensure a fair and credible investigation into the incident. Besides, maximum legal protection will be ensured for the three students who were associated with the former army officer.