DHAKA: Law Minister Barrister Shafique Ahmed Monday said extra-judicial killings will be tried after investigation, as the so-called ‘crossfire’ came under fire from experts in jurisprudence and law-enforcement.

“As the premier as well as the government declared that any kind of extra-judicial killings in the name of ‘crossfire’ would not be allowed, action should be taken against the persons involved,” said the justice minister at a discussion meeting.

Bangladesh Legal Aid and Services Trust (BLAST), Nagorik Udyog and Commonwealth Human Rights Initiatives (CHRI) jointly organized the discussion on ‘Our Rights and the Role of the Police in a Democratic Society’ with BLAST Chairman eminent jurist Dr Kamal Hossain in the chair.

Addressing the meeting, Chairman of the National Human Rights Commission Professor Dr Mizanur Rahman deplored that “extra-judicial killing in the name of ‘crossfire’ is still going on”.

“There shouldn’t be crossfire in any society, let alone in ours,” he said, asking for measures against those involved in it.   

Barrister Shafique also said that the government would frame ‘Witness Protection Act’ to save witnesses from intimidation, threat and harassment.

The government would also formulate another law for the security of informers in a bid to curb corruption

Barrister Shafique further said the police have to be aware about the civil rights and people also have to know about the constraints of police.

The law minister unveiled a publication styled ‘101 Questions and Answers about the Police’ at the programme.

At the meet, the experts underscored mutual understanding between police forces and the common people to strengthen democracy and to uphold the constitution.

The current constraints facing the police should be removed, they suggested. “Besides, people’s attitude towards the police should also be changed.”

Constitutional expert Dr Kamal Hossain in his speech said police are gaining people’s confidence and people also have to keep faith in police too.

“Our police are working for establishing the rule of law and upholding the constitution,” said Dr Kamal.

Former Adviser of caretaker government ASM Shahjahan and former IGP Nurul Huda, among others, spoke at the meet.

Nurul Huda said still people consider police job as inferior one. So, self-esteemed people are not coming in the field.

“People devoid of self-esteemed couldn’t ensure human rights of the people,” the ex-police chief opined.   

BDST: 2133 HRS, AUG 30, 2010.