EDITORIAL : THE DAILY STAR, BANGLADESH

           

 

Limon's sufferings go on

Those who maimed him must face the law

The administration does not seem to have been moved by the outcry over the Limon affair. Ever since the sixteen year-old was shot by RAB personnel on the dubious charge that he was a criminal, he has had his left leg amputated and has had the further misfortune of seeing the police determined to implicate him in criminal cases. Limon's background suggests nothing that can remotely link him to any criminality. The police themselves have found no record of any earlier case against him. Recently, the RAB chief went public with his view that Limon was a victim of circumstances, meaning he was caught in 'crossfire'. That was something of a climb-down for RAB, but it was clearly not enough. Limon now faces persecution from the police, who have their cases against him ready.

Limon's parents have somehow had their case against the RAB men who shot their son accepted by the police. Bizarrely, though, no one has been arrested. The suspicion lingers that the police are unwilling to move against the RAB men despite it now becoming obvious that RAB acted against Limon wrongfully and has imperilled his future. As if that were not enough, Home Minister Sahara Khatun now informs us that the government has nothing to do about the matter since it is now in the hands of the court. We are appalled at the minister's attitude, for it only shows that the authorities are still in denial mode over the tragic incident. To suggest that the police and RAB were right and that despite all the facts being there Limon remains a criminal is absurdity taken to extremes. Worse, it gives citizens the impression that the rule of law is being trifled with by the very individuals and institutions that should be upholding it. Ironically, the very police officer who pressed charges against Limon has also been given the task of making follow-up investigations on the case filed by Limon's parents. Do the authorities truly think that the same man who is determined to punish Limon can also ensure that he is cleared of the charges against him?

The law must take its natural course. Let those responsible for Limon's misery be prosecuted, in public and to the fullest extent of the law.

Inspiring words, indeed

Cardinal's visit proves auspicious

Nothing could be a greater tribute to the state of inter-religious relations in Bangladesh than that paid by Cardinal Tauran in Dhaka Wednesday. On a five-day sojourn in Bangladesh as special envoy of Pope Benedict XVI, he has already endeared himself not only to the Christian community but also to members of other faiths.

Quite significantly, he alluded to the 'great patrimony' that Bangladesh has acquired in the area of inter-religious relations. This, said he, "can be placed at the service of the world."

To receive such compliments from an authentic voice is heart warming. At the same time, however, it is for us a call to duty, to maintain and build on the good traditions of inter-religious harmony we have had.

It is quite in sync with the times that an inter-religious dialogue has taken place in Dhaka, heralding, what we would hope, a process whereby religious groups will periodically talk and allay any misgiving that could creep in through the machinations of a miniscule minority.

That culturally, traditionally and constitutionally Bangladeshis are imbued with a sense of inter-faith tolerance and harmony was well-recognised at the dialogue.

The cardinal's pragmatic approach is laudable. In his words, inter-religious dialogue could be suspect to those inclined to brand and accuse religion 'as a source and cause of intolerance and conflict'. The overriding fact, however, is, as our state minister for religious affairs said, "religion has been a primary force for social and human development."

If we are respectful of one another's religion, the nation as a whole stands to benefit through the creative energies of all communities in an environment of social peace and stability.

Cardinal Tauran's words are specially valued because his is the second high level visit from the Vatican since 1986, when Pope John Paul II had come here on a goodwill mission.