[vinnomot] Courts' voices will need to be heard if their guns continue to remain silent

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

[vinnomot] Courts' voices will need to be heard if their guns continue to remain silent

It's very heart breaking news that the Supreme Court has ruled against granting bail in cases to those detained under Emergency Powers Rules. According to the amended EPR, an accused in such a case does not have the right to file a bail petition during investigation or trial of the case. Moreover, the accused is not allowed to seek redress from 'any higher court against any order given by any court or tribunal before or during the trial -- until the delivery of the final verdict. There is a fresh call for justice now – it should not be politicised into a witch hunt of particular individuals but should be used as an impartial and transparent opportunity to seek truth, justice and reparations for the victims, and to heal the wounds in the national psyche. This unelected government should have the courage to do what other elected governments have failed to do – it should seek advice and assistance from the UN to open an independent commission of enquiry. That will be a visible symbol of a new commitment in Bangladesh to human rights and the rule of law.

For the country's future peace and prosperity, the highest court's voices will need to be heard especially if their guns continue to remain silent.

Gopal Sengupta

Canada

gopalsengupta@aol.com

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