It manifests lack of good governance: TIB

The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) on Thursday decried the government's use of force to repress the students' quota-reform movement.
Unprecedented deaths and havoc, exacerbated by interest groups, during the movement is blamed on the weakness of the government, according to the watchdog.
It also emphasises that peaceful dissent and demonstrations to address demands are constitutional rights, not a crime.
Calling for the government to take corrective lessons from the prevailing crisis, the anti-graft body suggested stopping repressive measures against students and immediately announcing acceptance of their all legitimate demands.
It also called for holding a dialogue with the full body of coordinators with an eye to developing a mutually agreed roadmap for enforcement of the government's commitments.
During and after the movement for quota reform in government jobs, the deaths of 200 people have been recorded.
The TIB said the peaceful movement suddenly turned bloody due to the provocation of the high-level leadership of the government.
TIB executive director Dr Iftekharuzzaman says the constitution gives people the right to express dissent, carry out rallies, stage protests and peaceful demonstrations as part of a movement to fulfil demands.
"But what can be more disappointing than reminding this to a democratic government!" he continued.
"In fact, we have become the witness to a massive loss of lives and mayhem on public property… The current situation manifests an acute lack of good governance and accountability."
Dr Zaman says reports of more deaths, including children and teenagers who were not in the protest, are really alarming.
A question thus arises weather those responsible for killing people at point blank, at own home or on rooftop along with others will be brought to book.
"The judicial commission will only investigate the six deaths of 16 July. So, are the rest of the lives worthless? Should we accept deaths by bullets at home and accept as regular normal events?"
Dr Zaman said the responsible ones of the government, including several ministers, have admitted that no students have been involved in any atrocity.
"Despite this, illegal abduction of students by law-enforcement agencies is nothing but a total disregard for the constitutional right to civilian protest and movement."
He also questions recent arrests and charges against protesters, urging the government not to turn it into a 'festivity' of arrest and harassing people.
Citing the shutdown of internet to repress the movement is a suicidal decision, according to Dr Zaman.

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