THE Awami League-led government has repeatedly promised to the people of the country that it will ensure the rule of law in the country and put an end to extrajudicial killings. Still, suspected criminals continue to be killed in the custody of the law enforcement agencies, especially the Rapid Action Battalion, in either ‘crossfire’ or ‘encounter’. The rule of law presupposes that even the worst of criminals reserves the right to be defended in a credible and competent court of law, and treated as innocent until proven guilty. The rule of law also requires that every citizen is treated as equal – a member of a law enforcement agency is as liable to be prosecuted and punished for transgression as an ordinary citizen. Regrettably, however, the law enforcement agencies are seemingly allowed a free hand to carry on with extrajudicial killings in the name of ‘crossfire’ and ‘encounter’.
   On Monday, the New York-based Human Rights released an 80-page report simultaneously in New York and London wherein it urged the government of Bangladesh to disband the Directorate General of Forces Intelligence and the Rapid Action Battalion for serious violations of human rights. It is indeed unfortunate.
   Hence, we, the conscious sections of society, demand that the government should investigate every allegation of human rights violation by the state’s law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and bring the transgressors to justice. Only decisive and demonstrable actions against breach of law can make the members of the law enforcement and intelligence agencies strictly adhere to the principles of the rule of law,
   Alamin Al Azad
   Dhaka University

The prime minister and the industry minister have severally voiced their commitment to protecting the local industries and promised that steps will be taken to expand small, medium and large industries. The government, they have pledged, will take steps to reopen the industrial units that have been closed down.
   Meanwhile, owners of the poultry industries continue to incur huge losses and the government is yet to take any visible initiative to protect the poultry industry and protect the owners of the poultry farms. The same has been the fate of the dairy farm owners. We have seen owners of several dairy farms pour milk on to the streets to draw the attention of the authorities.
   While we have seen some industrial units close down during the current government’s tenure, we are yet to see reopening of any laid-off factory. The government should talk less and work more towards the welfare of the people.
   Israr Istiaque Isti
   Rajshahi