Ain O Shalish Kendro (ASK) is gravely concerned at the incident which took place in Dhaka University on 20th August, 2007. From newspaper reports it appears that the unfortunate incident took place during an ordinary sports event. ASK however, does not accept this as an ordinary event at all. It was the intolerant and aggressive behaviour of some members of the Armed forces that ignited the whole incident. And this does not bode well for the nation. There are reports that as many as 14 people lost their lives while in the custody of the Joint Forces, and many more were brutally tortured, during the emergency period from 11th January to 15th August, 2007. This only succeeds in increasing the divide between the Armed Forced and the general public, a dangerous trend.

It should not be forgotten that this very public wholeheartedly welcomed the Armed Forces’ support for the Caretaker Government, hoping it would result in good governance. Unfortunately, as days pass, people are becoming increasingly disenchanted with the present situation. Some are openly questioning whether the country is being run by the Armed Forces, or the Caretaker Government.

Again, response on the above mentioned incident in the University campus, came directly from the Chief of Army Staff; there has been no statement at all from the government.

From media reports we have learnt that five accused personals have been “closed”, and the army has set up an investigation team to probe into the incident. The public wants to see justice being done, the result of the investigation should be transparent, open to all. Just ‘closing’ the accused is not enough, they should given the punishment they deserve.

The greatest need of the hour is an open dialogue and not a show of strength. If the anger of the student of Dhaka University is not properly addressed, it could grow beyond control. No one wants that to happen.