Why extrajudicial killings in new Bangladesh?

Since the July Mass Uprising, a new Bangladesh has emerged. The uprising is even being referred to as the second independence, a great revolution. It is claimed that in this new Bangladesh, there will be no old injustices or oppression; the law and order situation will be stable, and there will be no extrajudicial killings, with people receiving justice. However, even in this new Bangladesh, we are witnessing the horrifying scenes of the old Bangladesh.

The family members of Jubo Dal leader Touhidul Islam in Cumilla have alleged that he was "tortured and killed by plainclothes men." Touhidul Islam's elder brother, Abul Kalam Azad, told the media, "My brother was tortured and killed. When the joint forces searched our house, they repeatedly asked, 'Where are the weapons?' Where would we have gotten weapons from? They tortured and killed my brother on baseless information. We demand a proper investigation and justice for this incident."

On Saturday (February 1), the family members and villagers of Touhidul Islam held a human chain, in front of the freezing van. Touhidul's wife, along with their four daughters, participated in the protest. They stood in front of the freezing van, breaking down in tears. Such a scene was certainly not what was expected in this new Bangladesh. BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir also questioned the current government, calling extrajudicial killings during the interim government's rule "unfortunate."

During the previous government, we witnessed such extrajudicial killings. Complaints and protests regarding those incidents were ongoing, though justice was rarely served, leading to the gradual emergence of the Awami League government as a fascist regime. Does this fascism still persist? The extrajudicial killing has shocked the nation, reigniting fear among the people. This incident has created fresh panic in the public’s mind.

The family members of Touhidul Islam still do not know what crime he committed. He was taken away without any arrest warrant. There were no specific charges against him. According to available information, Touhidul Islam was the convener of the Jubo Dal in the Paanchthubi Union of Cumilla's Adarsha Sadar Upazila. He worked at a shipping agent company in the Chittagong port. He had come home upon hearing the news of his father's death. On the night before the qulkhwani, he was taken away by plainclothes individuals from his home. The next day, his family learned that he had been brutally tortured and killed. His waist and legs were beaten in such a way that there were dark, swollen bruises. There were signs of torture on various parts of his body, including his stomach, chest, back, legs, and neck.

After hearing the description of the incident, one might think that Touhidul Islam was perhaps a dangerous criminal, a state terrorist. Even if he were a criminal, such a death would still be unacceptable. Why did law enforcement authorities have to take him? Why did he die in their custody? The authorities cannot evade responsibility for this in any way. There must be a proper investigation into Touhidul Islam's death, and justice must be ensured. The real perpetrators must be brought to justice.