Law enforcement without accountability

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THE Rapid Action Battalion (RAB) was created as a temporary measure to tackle insecurity created by a rise in extortion. While the society breathed a sigh of relief when extortions were brought under control, many feared that this elite force could one day turn against the common citizens of the country. That is what has happened with antiquated systems of justice and bureaucracy remaining onlookers. When a police force loses the respect and support of the citizens it is paid to protect, it can hardly serve its purpose. Between the toothless judiciary and the politicised law enforcement, the common people are left to fend for themselves. Is this what the newly elected government had promised to deliver?
In most countries, the media has a natural bias towards its pet political party. Bangladesh is no different. In the last ten years, the media in Bangladesh has made strides in investigative journalism, talk shows and random interviews. Only a couple of decades ago, the media was simply an extension of the propaganda arm of the party in power. It would not be fair to depict today's situation with the same colours. The media deserve praise for raising awareness against domestic violence, religious fanatism, drug abuse, extortion, failures of the bureaucracy, and non enforcement of the law. It is unnatural for different media outlets to taint the stories with their own shades while paying lip service to democracy. To punish a media outlet for its criticism of the government is abuse of power.
An alternative voice of the people since its inception, one English daily in Bangladesh never hesitated to expose the plunder of national resources by international oil companies. Its editor has been the target of bombers. The offenders seem to have gotten away with impunity. A reporter of the daily has been mercilessly beaten and tortured by the members of the elite force, RAB. These are extremely disconcerting happenings. It shows how political immaturity and intolerance can divide and harm the society. How a government, which speaks publicly against extra-judicial killing, can remain indifferent when the media is muzzled by political goons or law enforcement agencies?
Instead of chastising the media, the authorities should respect it for voicing public concerns. Fearless reporting would keep the authorities alert against inaction and wrongs. Any ruling party should remember that media criticism can keep it away from irresponsibility and autocracy.
For the needed check and balance in a democracy, the judiciary ought to be where it ought to be. An efficient and honest bureaucracy is equally important.
Shabbir A. Bashar, PhD
Vancouver, USA