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Hira Talukder

journalist
12 years gone: Murder trial still incomplete
12 years gone: Murder trial still incomplete

12 years gone: Murder trial still incomplete

The Rana Plaza collapse in Savar remains the deadliest industrial disaster in Bangladesh’s history. On April 24, 2013, the eight-story commercial building crumbled, killing 1,136 people and shocking the entire world. Yet, more than a decade later, the murder trial stemming from the tragedy has yet to be completed even at the trial court level. The long judicial process—which still has to go through the High Court and potentially the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court after a trial court verdict—is prolonging the agony for victims and their families.

“Baseless allegations will not be entertained”
“Baseless allegations will not be entertained”

“Baseless allegations will not be entertained”

In a concerning development, numerous journalists have been named alongside Awami League activists in murder cases related to the anti-discrimination movement. Government officials have termed these incidents as "unfortunate" and stated that most of these murder cases against journalists were not filed by the government or police, but rather instigated by certain individuals.

Three-wheelers on highways: Lives lost amid ongoing chaos
Three-wheelers on highways: Lives lost amid ongoing chaos

Three-wheelers on highways: Lives lost amid ongoing chaos

Despite being banned, highly risky three-wheeled vehicles are now dominating almost all highways across the country. The situation has become so commonplace that it no longer appears to be a punishable offense. Due to public indifference, reckless driving, disregard for traffic laws, and police inaction, battery-run auto-rickshaws, three-wheelers, tomtoms, and auto-vans are freely plying the highways. This not only disrupts traffic flow but is also causing frequent fatal accidents.

Sexual harassment: HC's directives remain unimplemented even after 16 years
Sexual harassment: HC's directives remain unimplemented even after 16 years

Sexual harassment: HC's directives remain unimplemented even after 16 years

Recently, numerous incidents of sexual harassment have come to light across the country, sparking protests in various educational institutions, social, cultural, and human rights organizations. However, legal experts believe that if the High Court's directives on preventing sexual harassment, issued 16 years ago, had been implemented, such heinous crimes would have significantly decreased.

Tears of the rape victim remains unseen
Tears of the rape

Tears of the rape victim remains unseen

The deteriorating law and order situation in the country has led to a sharp rise in horrifying incidents of rape. Among them, the brutal rape of an 8-year-old child in Magura has shocked the nation. According to research reports from the Bangladesh Mahila Parishad and Ain o Salish Kendra (ASK), in just January and February of this year, 96 people were raped, including 44 children.