Insensitivity over Limon issue
A question of credibility
The way the Limon issue is being handled by the government is becoming a serious matter of public concern. Especially, the contradictory statements made by government high-ups from time to time have created confusion among the public.
Considering the vengeance with which a villain is being made of a mere 16-year-old boy from a working class background has left many wondering about the government's taking such a position.
RAB in its official statement one month after the tragic shooting not only branded Limon as a criminal, it has also ended up calling the hapless boy's father and brothers criminals!
The Defence Adviser, meanwhile, has defended the RAB action in so many words. Home Minister Sahara Khatun, Foreign Minister Dipu Moni and Public Administration Adviser have all joined the chorus of defending the RAB action.
The Director General (DG) of RAB, who on April 11 had said that Limon was 'not a criminal,' has rephrased his words terming him 'not a notorious criminal,' seemingly under pressure.
It appears, the government is reacting not just defensively, but somewhat desperately. Which is why home minister has not only been supportive of the Defence Adviser, but has also declared that anybody may make comment on a case under trial, ignoring the fact that it may prejudice the investigation and trial of a case. The media, members of civil society and the rights bodies have long been expressing their concern over extra-judicial excesses. Recently, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has urged the government to inform it of any instance of custodial death or killing within 24 hours. The government needs to be heedful of such calls to enhance its credibility.
With the severely maimed college student Limon suffering in jail and his family members being intimidated, they are maintaining a precarious existence.
We still hope good sense will prevail and the government will be respectful of public opinion with due promptitude.
Chemical warehouse woes
Enforce relocation orders
It is undeniably a matter of concern that some people are unwilling to move their warehouses of combustible chemicals away from residential areas in the capital. Although there has been series of deadly incidents over the past years at different parts of the city, the bizarre conduct of the warehouse owners continues unabated.
We recall last year's tragic blaze at Nimtoli in old Dhaka where over one hundred people were scorched to death and many more received injuries due mainly to the highly inflammable chemicals. Following this, there were smaller incidents in other parts of Dhaka. Even after all these continual incidents people involved in the trade show no interest to shift their warehouses outside the city.
The chemical warehouse owners were asked by the government to relocate their businesses away from residential areas of Dhaka by September 30 last year. But trading in banned chemicals and storing those have been going on in the residential areas, including old Dhaka.
A group of environmentalists, while observing the first anniversary of the Nimtoli incident last Tuesday, criticised the government inaction over enforcing disciplinary measures against the people who failed to relocate their chemical establishments.
While the dangerous position of these warehouses are life threatening, when accidents occur they leave harmful effect on public psyche for a long period.
The government should immediately act to ensure that the relocation orders are carried out without fear or favour. A new timeframe may be served to the business houses after the expiry of which the law breakers should be unfailingly brought to book. A policy may be formulated relating import, production, storing and trading in chemicals and it should be strictly implemented.
We cannot afford to have devious individuals flouting government orders at the cost of precious human lives.
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