Govt shown alarming indifference in taking preventive measures against countrywide vandalism: TIB
It said the government cannot fulfill its responsibility only by issuing statements but has to play an effective role in controlling and preventing such situations
Highlights
- TIB says emerging situation as risky for democratic transition, good governance, state stability
- Vandalism and violence will not send any positive message about Bangladesh's stability after uprising, it added
- Govt cannot fulfill responsibility only by issuing statements, it also said
- TIB urged govt to playeffective role in controlling and preventing such situations
The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) has expressed concern over the vandalism and violence that have taken place in the capital's Dhanmondi 32 and almost the entire country over the past two days and criticised the government's role to prevent it.
In a statement today (7 February), the anti-corruption watchdog described the emerging situation as risky for democratic transition, good governance and state stability.
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It said the government cannot fulfill its responsibility only by issuing statements but has to play an effective role in controlling and preventing such situations.
"Despite the announcement of violent programmes in advance, the law enforcement and security agencies, i.e. the government, have shown alarming indifference in taking effective control or preventive measures. The government later attempted to evade responsibility by stating that the incident was 'unexpected and unintended'.
"The government must take visible and effective steps to legally deal with any situation," TIB Executive Director Dr Iftekharuzzaman said in the statement.
Calling on everyone to avoid destructive activities and respect the rule of law, Iftekharuzzaman said, "There is no way to deny that during the authoritarian regime driven by the unlimited lust of partisanship and dynasticism, the most irreparable damage to Bangabandhu, the Liberation War and the spirit of the Liberation War was done by autocrat Sheikh Hasina and her cronies, who are accused of genocide.
"The level of anger of all countrymen, who are victims of multidimensional deprivation of rights, has increased manifold in the wake of the shameless and conspiratorial propaganda of the fugitive Sheikh Hasina and her domestic and foreign associates."
However, he added that the "vindictive vandalism and violence that is going on across the country without following the path of legal reaction cannot be tolerated in any way. It will not send any positive message at home or abroad about a stable Bangladesh after the July uprising".
The emerging situation is creating a fear of giving more opportunities to the circles that want to revive the fallen Awami League authoritarianism, the TIB executive director said.
"It is important to remember that ensuring exemplary punishment and accountability for specific crimes of all the accomplices of authoritarianism, including Sheikh Hasina, is the highest priority for fulfilling the dream of 'New Bangladesh,'" he added.
However, for this, it is mandatory to follow the path of domestic and international law, not vindictive and suicidal mob justice."
The TIB said it also expects the government to take effective measures to protect the democratic rights of all, breaking away from the culture of harassing dissenters by filing lawsuits, and tolerance will be demonstrated among all stakeholders.
