ASK’s reaction to the Home Minister’s comments

Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK) is deeply hurt and outraged by the comments made by the Home Minister Shahara Khatun regarding the death of meritorious student Abu Bakar, which resulted from the factional clash of Bangladesh Chhatra League at Dhaka University. We learnt that he was not affiliated with any political party.

According to the news reports, the Home Minister said, “These are isolated incidents. It may happen any time. It is not an important matter, but it is important to see what we are doing about it.” Such comments have disappointed the whole country along with the deceased Abu Bakar’s family. We do not understand how can a responsible member of the government forget that the duty of the government is not merely limited to taking measures after the atrocity has taken  place but to prevent such tragedy from ever happening as well as to adopt long term plan to redress it. We are deeply shocked by the irresponsible comments from a responsible member of the Government.

The common knowledge is that the reckless behavior of Bangladesh Chhatra League (BCL) has thrived after the current Government came to power. Appeal to the Prime Minister on behalf of the people to stop all these has failed to yield desirable result. Although almost everyone in the Government, at one time or another made statements to say that they are serious to take effective measures against these, in reality such promises have fallen short. We believe that Bangladesh Chhatra League has been at the top among those who are taking maximum undue advantages using the party name. Public opinion suggests that the improper behavior of BCL is about to eclipse many of the positive achievements of the Government. We are yet to see the ‘Effective Steps’ that the Home Minister has so confidently declared.

We believe, such atrocious killing is not an ordinary incident in any sense. It is the state’s responsibility to take effective measures to prevent such incidents. Moreover, comments that refuse to acknowledge the severity of the matter are not acceptable from a Minister of the Government. We do not expect such comments which give legitimacy to the act of atrocities from the Home Minister of a democratically elected Government who got a landslide victory. Where such heartless killings are seen with utmost grief by any person, the Home Minister’s reaction is an insult to our sensitivity as a nation. It is certain that her comments have afflicted the bereaved family and made us feel equally embarrassed.

While speaking of any matter that concerns the public, we expect a responsible government official to make comments that reflect the gravity of the situation. We demand that the persons involved in this atrocity be brought to justice and that the government to take, effective as well as concrete steps to prevent such incidents.